Getting a Grant for Your Business

5. Making a Start

5.1 Make personal contact with an individual involved in administering the scheme.

• You will get advice on whether it is worth applying.
• You can often get help to complete the application form.

5.2 Find out answers to some basic questions.

• Is the scheme open and when will it close? Will funds be available after the application has been processed?
• When are grants handed out?Some schemes only pay out money to successful applicants once a year.
• What does the scheme aim to achieve?It will help to know the type of projects funded in the past.
• How long is the application process, and what does it involve?

5.3 Submit a proposal (see 6).

• This usually involves filling in a form.

5.4 Wait for the decision.

• If you are awarded a grant after a long delay, and the situation has changed since your initial application, it may be possible to adapt and refine your project idea.