Start-up Loans initiative helps today's entrepreneurs

The Start-Up Loans Company, chaired by former Dragon James Caan, which helps thousands of young people start a business, has been given the green light to open their doors to budding entrepreneurs of all ages.

What previously has been a scheme targeted at 18-30 year olds, the programme will soon be available for anyone who needs support and help in turning their idea into a thriving business.

Chairman James Caan said “I welcome Lord Young’s recommendation to remove the age cap for Start-Up Loans. Seeing the huge success of the programme to date exceeding our initial targets by 50% leaves me with no doubt that there is significant demand from more mature individuals who want a chance at being their own boss.”

The company will now work with Government to set out a plan of action as to how to tackle the older market, with a view to being ready to offer the loans to the over-30s by the end of the summer.

CEO Tim Sawyer said “we welcome Lord Young’s recommendation and we will be putting the wheels in motion to start offering start-up loans to everyone as quickly and efficiently as possible, without compromising on the quality of the support that all of our entrepreneurs get.”

Start-Up Loans doesn’t just offer money to their entrepreneurs, they also provide mentoring and exclusive products and services from partners such as Regus, Google, WorldPay, Printing.com, eBay and Intuit.

Since Autumn of last year, more than 3,500 people have got a loan from the Company and received mentoring. More than 45% of those who have started their business under the scheme were unemployed before being granted the loan demonstrating the schemes potential impact on employment across the country.

James Caan said, "To be an entrepreneur is more than having a job. It gives you the freedom to make your own mark, in the way in which you choose, and create your own path to success. It can be challenging, and exceptionally hard work, but the rewards are immeasurable."

In a highly competitive jobs market, direct selling is an attractive business start-up option for many young workers, due to its minimal start up fees and flexible working hours. There are almost 400,000 direct sellers in the UK and as one of the largest direct selling company’s in the country, Avon is seen as a particularly viable option for young people looking for career satisfaction. It not only helps boost their income, but it also gives them independence and key business skills to help enhance their CV.

Rosemarie Connor is a 21-year-old Avon Representative from Exeter. She became an Avon Representative in September 2012 when she started attending Plymouth University. Rosemarie grew up in foster care and supports herself financially. Working with Avon has allowed her to attend university as even though she dedicates 20 hours a week to Avon, the flexibility means she can balance it around studying. She says the main benefit of working with Avon is being your own boss.

For further information about Start-up Loans visit www.startuploans.co.uk

Or if you would like to know more about opportunities with Avon, click here.