Dear CIDA

CEN has teamed up with CIDA to answer readers’ queries about creative business. Answers will be published in CEN magazine every month. If you have a query about your creative project, write to cenmagazine@cenuk.co.uk

Dear Cida
We’re a group of filmmakers and we’ve recently registered ourselves as a non-for profit company. We want to get funding to work with young people but we’re not sure how to start the process, can you give us any advice?
Kate, Stepney

Dear Kate,
Your first step should be to develop a carefully planned proposal for your pilot project, which should include very practical information on what it aims to achieve, what will take place, where and when, who will benefit, and how much it will cost you. Be sure that your project proposal contains realistic time scales and budget.
Funding for your project can come from small grants providers that are targeted at youth community projects (such as Awards for All, Local Network Fund, or Community Chest), or from larger funding bodies and trusts. You will need to find those funders whose criteria match your project.
If you would like assistance with identifying potential funders for your projects you can visit our website at www.cida.cio.uk, where you’ll find information on a range of funding providers who could potentially fund your project. Alternatively, you can use CIDA Resource Centre to access information on funding options. To use the Resource Centre call Dilly on 020 7247 4710.
Good luck
Terry Adams
CIDA’s Capacity Building Adviser

Dear Cida
I’m a graphic designer and would like to get more customers, but don’t have much money for marketing at the moment. Friends tell me that networking is a good way to generate more business without spending much money – can you give me some tips?
Matthew, Hackney

Dear Matthew,
The aim of networking is to help grow your business through word of mouth and personal recommendation. There are many different ways to network, so think about what you actually want to achieve and select the most relevant opportunity, for example, do you want to meet other local businesses and clients or find new suppliers?
Many people find networking hard to start with, so it is worth doing some preparation to boost your confidence. Being able to give people a clear idea of what you do, in less than a minute, is the key - just think of 5 things that sum up your business and develop it into an opening paragraph. Then practice on friends to ensure they understand. Networking is about building mutually beneficial relationships, so think of some icebreaker questions that you could ask other people. On the day, take lots of business cards, don’t just stand by the bar drinking to calm the nerves, circulate and try to talk to as many people as possible.
Afterwards, make sure you follow up useful contacts (within a few days) and keep in touch. Find out about networking opportunities by signing up for the free monthly CIDA e-newsletter at www.cida.co.uk. Good Luck!
Lucy Kyle
CIDA’s Creative Industries Start-up Adviser