Start-up Websites : Top 10     25th Nov 2008

I've done a few talks recently about my work and how I got my studio and business off the ground after graduation. You definitely need to be really thick skinned at the start, but there's plenty of help if you look for it in the right places. To save you a few hours on Google, I've put together a shortlist of my top 10 websites and organizations. In no particular order...

1. PSYBT : Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust

Start-up advice, business mentoring and loans

2. SAC : Scottish Arts Council

Specalist info for Arts businesses, funding and creative industry advice

3. Shell Livewire

Business start-up advice and awards

4. NESTA: National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts

Business training and funding with a creative edge

5. Design Nation

From the people that brought you New Designers, start-up advice, networking and profile boosting marketing support.

6. Business Gateway (Scotland only)

Business advice from funding, to writing business plans, finding premises and accounts.

7. CEO : The Cultural Enterprise Office

A Business Gateway just for the Creative Industry!

8. SAU : Scottish Artists Union

Advice on issues like rates of pay, insurance, exhibiting etc

9. ACID : Anti Copying in Design

Legal Eagles who advise and act on any copyright dilemmas.

10. The Crafts Council

English version of our Scottish Arts Council, lots of nationwide opportunities, workshops and advice.

And finally...don't forget to visit my Christmas Shop for some festive cheer and seasonal studio treasures!