Business Start-Up Successes & Reviews


"I can't speak highly enough of the grant scheme. My application was dealt with in a helpful, professional way and it has made a significant difference to my business". Danny Johnston - 'Right Price Plastering'

 

The Bideford Business Start-Up Programme has been operating for 27 years and has provided advice and guidance to numerous potential start-ups. 

Many of the businesses have progressed and developed, employing previously unemployed people and benefiting the local economy.

85% of start-ups are still trading after two years.

In the past three years, the Bideford Bridge Trust have awarded 115 start-up grants to successful applicants.

The programme has supported a wide range of businesses including:

  • Retail units
  • A Care Agency
  • IT Specialist
  • Foot Healthcare Practitioner
  • Nail & Beauty Salon
  • Hairdressing Salons
  • Organic Compost Producer
  • Security businesses
  • Motor & Marine Repairs Garages
  • Performing Arts School
  • Chartered Surveyor
  • Original Artistic Greetings Cards
  • Manufacturer of traditional building materials
  • Domestic removals
  • Lighting Specialist Supplier
  • Restaurants & Specialist Food suppliers/outlets
  • Cleaning Services
  • Pilates teachers/studios
  • Therapy Studios
  • Gyms
  • Aesthetic Clinic
  • Carpenters
  • Electricians
  • Roofers
  • Architect
  • Accountants
  • Laundry
  • Online Sales
  • Small manufacturers
  • Builders/decorators 
  • Website design
  • Craft makers/designers/sales
  • Blacksmith/Ironwork craftsman
  • Childcare Nurseries  
  • Animal Welfare - veterinary services - dog walking/boarding etc.
  • Counselling

We also consider as successes those that we have assisted by signposting to other options, once Business Start-Up had proved to not be a suitable way forward for them.


Business survival rates 2013- 2017


Business Survival

Bideford Start-Up

UK comparison

After 2 years

82%

73%

After 3 years

78%

60%

After 4 years

62%

48%



APPLICANTS COMMENTS


  • “From the start and continuously throughout the process, Mike ensured that the stages were extremely clear, giving non-bias advise when required and being a friendly face to remove any intimidation that one may face when beginning the process. I couldn’t fault the guidance I received, and I am thankful for the opportunity to be involved with the business start-up scheme.” Lewis Johnson - LMJAstudio

  • "I was a bit nervous at the start but the application process was straightforward and the support from Mike throughout was really helpful. The grant helped me put in place business cards, signage, cabinets and a point of sale system which has propelled the business."

    Barbara de Noronha - West Country Crafters

  • "Applying for the grant was easy to do. It was a great experience overall as you are supported with filling in the paperwork to creating a business plan. Even when presenting your business plan to the Bideford Bridge Trust you are supported through the whole process".

    Tony Matthews - Toad Counselling

  • "I can't speak highly enough of the grant scheme. My application was dealt with in a helpful, professional way and it has made a significant difference to my business".

    Danny Johnston - Right Price Plastering

  • "Receiving the grant has enabled me to invest in essential equipment to start my new business"

    Simon Box – SB Plumbing & Heating                                                                                                                                                                                                

  • "I can’t thank the Bideford Bridge Trust enough for their help, I honestly don’t know where I would be without there grant! Took so much pressure off me and my family to help my business succeed! I can’t thank them enough"!

    Joe Grimley – JG Developments                                                                                                                                                                                                          

  • "Starting a new Business is hard especially in current climate.  However 2019 I approached The Bridge Trust and submitted my Business proposal and after a few weeks the grant was received.   Without the Bridge trust, Zen may have been a pipe dream, but thank you to everyone at the trust, Zen is and will be a local security company for the Future, helping businesses and other professions for all their security requirements"

    Martin Cook - Zen security Services

  • Applying for "a business start-up grant" from The Bridge Trust was a clear process; Mike Lillis supported me through the application process if ever I had any concerns or questions.I took time in preparing my business plan and preparing for my interview. It is imperative you are passionate about your business. The grant has helped ensure that my clinic is something that Bideford town can be proud of! Thank you!                                                  Toni Pascoe-White  - Orchard Clinic

  • I found the grant application very easy to understand, and the support I was given throughout and after the application has been second to none.The Bideford Bridge Trust has been a real help, and I can’t recommend the process highly enough. It has enabled me to open up my business, and I know I can approach them with any enquiries & help.                                                                                                                                                          Jamie Blackman -  Reconfigure Sports Therapy

  • "The support that I have received from Mike, in the initial application process, was so reassuring. Writing a business plan and projecting a forecast was extremely daunting, but Mike advised me and encouraged me through the entire process. 

    The interest and belief that The Bridge Trust has had in my business venture gave me the extra confidence that I needed to make my business work and their funding gave me the vital lift needed to get my idea off the paper and into reality! "

    Etelka Moon - 'The Quiet Corner'