Saloukee Funding Case Study

Sarah Kelly, founder of paper jewellery business Saloukee, tells us of the struggle to get noticed and get funding when you're first starting out in business. Sarah won a Shell LiveWIRE Grand Ideas Award in April 2009.

Sarah used her £1,000 Shell LiveWIRE Grand Ideas Award to exhibit at an event in London. It was at this event where she was approached to author her first book, titled 'Paper Jewellery', which is due to be published by A and C Black Ltd in November 2011.

You can read more about Sarah and Saloukee on her Alumni page.

Case Study

I spent time investing in my business in the only way I really knew, and that was to attend many seminars, continually knock on doors, make phone calls and network non-stop, and build relationships with the right people. I think you’ve got to remain on the ball with these things, keep at the forefront of your game and always be keen to gain as much knowledge as you can within your field. 

When you don’t have a huge array of previous clients, stacks of cash to put together a portfolio to die for, the four-page spread in Vogue you’ve always dreamed about and when you’re running your business from your mum and dad’s stuffy spare room, of course it’s tough to get into the state of mind where you can feel confident enough to go into a business meeting and convince some ‘big bods’ in grey suits to ‘give you the money!’ It is hard to get people to take you seriously when you’re simply presenting yourself as evidence that you’re worth the funding - but I’ve found that passion in what you do is contagious and of course it’s never easy, and of course it doesn’t always happen the first, second or third time, but if you remain driven, you will find your chance to shine.

I have done a lot of research on funding, as money is always a huge burden when starting your own business because, for most, it simply doesn’t just land on your lap - it sure hasn’t for me! I have spent a lot of time looking on the Internet for routes into funding and for companies/associations/charities that would put faith in ‘little old me’ when really all I had to prove my skills and passion, was myself.

Shell LiveWIRE Funding

If you're aged 16-30, based in the UK and need funding to get your new business or project off the ground, we have up to 5 x £1,000 prizes to give away each month to the most innovative ideas submitted by new businesses (in their first 12 months of trading).

Furthermore, if you win one of our monthly £1,000 awards, you will also be eligible for our £10,000 Shell LiveWIRE Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

If you have any more questions on funding, the Shell LiveWIRE Discussion Forum is the perfect place to ask. You can get great advice from your fellow entrepreneurs, business experts and the Shell LiveWIRE staff.