Setting up

[swirlyarts]

Right, Alex has come round and is buzzing with lots of ideas for this crafty cafe idea. Where do we start to get information about grants etc in the area, are there incentives for businesses run by women etc etc.
Thanks!!

[Tip Top]

Have you tried the local council? Or Inland Revenue start up thing?
Or do a search on google??!!

Really don't know, but I guess you will have already done these!

Good luck - I've replied under the other thread too - I hope it works out cos its a dammed good idea!!:mf:

[MrSwirl]

Hmmmmm.....

Try the FSB and see what they say.

BusinessLink are meant to be good, too.

[HelloBeads.co.uk]

Swirlyart - Not sure about grants etc although your local BusinessLink is always a good place to start.

One thing I thought you might be interested in is the London Make Lounge...

http://www.themakelounge.com/

Sounds similar to what you were thinking of doing.

Fran x

[MrSwirl]

Start thinking of a name, and get the website registered.

[Woodsprite]

I believe any food business needs to be registered with the local authority and you will also need to learn all about food hygiene and also train any staff in this! The Food Standards Agency website is a good place to start with this. Also, although I can't be certain of this, I think that food outlets may have got rolled up in the 24 Hour Licensing Law changes so you may need to apply to the local council for one of these also. Your local council should have a Licensing Officer and a Food Hygiene Officer who will probably be happy to give you some free advice.

[swirlyarts]

Thanks guys - lots and lots to think about - my brain is hurting!!

[icecreamgirl]

Not sure about grants... i think you can get some for training etc once the business is set up but not sure where from..Something you really need to think about though..
If you have a place in mind though you really need to check on the planning permission. It is different with every council what type of planning each shop will need to be a sit down cafe. Sit down cafe's and take away are two different plannings and it's just not worth thinking you'll sort it out later as they can shut you down if you have't sorted it first.
Don't assume that because there are other cafe's in the street that the building will have the correct planning... some councils only allow a certain number of cafes in one part of a town.. don't also assume that because a building used to be a cafe that they were trading under the right planning...ask yourself why they closed...
That's just stuff to take into consideration while you look for an appropriate building... the other thing is the accessability, you will need to make the place accessable so you should look for somewhere that won't need too much doing to make it so.. not just the front door, the toilet needs to be wheelchair accessable meaning if it's small you'll need to make it bigger....
I'm quite excited for you really, i think it sounds like a fab idea.
Good Luck!!

[Mary]

The white side of the Pennines is looking with great interest at what the red side is doing......

[swirlyarts]

The white side of the Pennines is looking with great interest at what the red side is doing......

I'm originally from the white side so I'm a traitor really!!

[millymolly]

Are both of you classed as unemployed. If so go to jobcenter plus and speak to one of their advisors they might put you in contact with inbiz. if you have one in your area. thats who im with. They basically give you a crash course in running a business. and keep you right with forms etc etc. They also help you write out buisiness plans that you will need to apply for grants and loans. I think you will be taking mostly loans unfortunatly as grants tend to stop at £300.
and basically keep an eye over you and your business for six months.