Playing Card Business support - Start up help

[BetaGaming]

I've recently launched a new business, where we are creating unique and custom playing card games, which we will initially operate via e-commerce but long-term look to try and hit the retail sector.

To startup, myself and the two partners have invested our own cash in to the project, however with the ongoing cost of living crisis we're concerned that we might not be able to keep this going over the next 12 months. We don't particularly want to take out any loans, rather maintain a greater margin and re-invest any profits made. I'm keen to know if anyone knows of any grants/business suppport in terms of funding which would help our business project as we have huge growth plans over the next 2 years.

 

[Mark T Jones]

Grants are typically for a cause - be that social or economic. They also come with lots of conditions.

Nothing you have mentioned suggest that you will tick any 'cause' boxes.

This is very much a business that needs good old-fashioned bootstrapping. Hopefully preceded by some solid market research.

 

[BetaGaming]

Grants are typically for a cause - be that social or economic. They also come with lots of conditions.

Nothing you have mentioned suggest that you will tick any 'cause' boxes.

This is very much a business that needs good old-fashioned bootstrapping. Hopefully preceded by some solid market research.

Thanks for your reply Mark!

I've worked in this type of business model before, so have a good 4-5 years of experience in understanding the market, supply chain etc. behind 'going solo' to try and take a business in this direction ourselves.

 

[@aiteoconsulting]

Look around at local councils and business networks. There's usually something available, though as Mark says often with strings attached. Here's one in my firm's local area, for example:

I can't post the link, but google: Medway Partners for Growth (PFG) grant scheme

 

[MBE2017]

If you go ahead maybe talk to Chris Ramsay and the like, all over social media, all collect unusual cards being magicians etc, they have hundreds of decks and make big displays of them. It might get you a lot of exposure.

 

[japancool]

I've recently launched a new business, where we are creating unique and custom playing card games, which we will initially operate via e-commerce but long-term look to try and hit the retail sector.

Are you talking standard 52-card playing card decks, or trading card games?

 

[fantheflames]

Perhaps equity crowdfunding is something you can look into?

As you always have some cash behind you, reward crowdfunding might be a better option?