Business Startup

After gaining seven years’ work experience and training in the childcare and education sector, Kerry Griffin, 24, was keen to put her skills and experience to good use and open up her own nursery for children aged from 12 weeks to five years.

While the current lack of funding available from banks to set up small businesses proved to be a large obstacle for Kerry, after seeking advice from the Furness Enterprise via the ISUS programme she managed to get a start up grant, as well as a number of job creation grants.

Kerry says: “I was really keen to be my own boss and put my experience to good use by opening a day care centre for children that would not only offer a home away from home for them, but also provide quality educational activities to help advance their development. When I started looking into funding options, I nearly gave up hope that I would be able to open a nursery, as the banks simply aren’t lending to small businesses in the current climate.

“After hearing about the positive help and support Furness Enterprise had given other small businesses, I contacted them to ask for their advice. They have been brilliant in helping me get the funding I needed through available grants.”

Since Cheeky Monkey’s Childcare (www.cheekymonkeyschildcare.com) opened its doors, it has continued to offer a safe, fun and nurturing environment within its 30 place nursery. Educational activities throughout the day include story time, puzzles and games, arts and crafts, music and computer time. There is also a baby room for children aged between 12 weeks and two years, which offers a sensory area and low units so all toys and equipment are accessible for children to enjoy.

Kerry adds: “Since opening Cheeky Monkeys Childcare we’ve been busier than we ever expected, which is fantastic. Starting up your own business is hard work and very challenging at times, but it’s extremely worthwhile and I take great comfort in knowing that I’m my own boss and that it’s down to me to employ the best, skilled staff to help me drive the nursery forward.

“All of the children who come to the nursery thoroughly enjoy it and we’ve had some wonderful compliments from the parents, so it’s all been very rewarding. Without the support I received from the Furness Enterprise, I would have had to secure a much larger personal loan, which I don’t even know would have been possible, so I’m extremely grateful for their support and guidance and would thoroughly recommend other small businesses to get in touch with them and take advantage of their business mentoring and advice services offered.”

Val Robinson, Service Provider on behalf of Furness Enterprise comments: “We are delighted to see Cheeky Monkeys Childcare open and providing such a high quality standard of care and educational facilities to young children. Despite the current economic climate, there is a variety of financial support available to small businesses - including loans and loan guarantees, grants and equity, which many people with hopes of setting up on their own simply don’t know about. This is where we come in to help them assess the options and implement the best financial solutions available to their specific needs.”