TWO entrepreneurs who started their own businesses in the Isle of Man have been speaking about their experiences.
Alpana Delaney, who owns Bollywood on the Isle, and Victoria Kissack, who owns Imagination Station, have taken part in the Small Business Start Up Scheme.
The scheme is run by the Department of Economic Development and offers support, training and financial assistance to people setting up new businesses.
Both Alpana and Victoria are now reaping the rewards of the scheme after being nominated for business awards.
Alpana, who set up Bollywood on the Isle in March last year, has been shortlisted for an Isle of Man Newspapers Award for Excellence.
Her business has been involved with teaching dance to school children, contributing to the Commonwealth Youth Games and has helped a variety of charities by raising more than £10,000.
Alpana said: "I think the scheme is an excellent opportunity for an entrepreneur to get a good understanding of the basics of running a business.
"The professionalism, enthusiasm and knowledge of my business advisor, Andrew Simpson, who was provided to me through the scheme has helped me make the business successful and run it smoothly.
"The scheme overall has given invaluable support to my business."
Victoria set up Imagination Station in April this year to provide children's entertainment and activities in the Island.
Since completing the business scheme Victoria has been nominated for the Best Business Guide 2012 and as a finalist in the Forward Ladies Women in Business Awards.
She said: "Completing the Small Business Start Up Scheme, being awarded a grant and continued advisory support was a key achievement for me.
"The scheme has been an invaluable source of information and support as well as providing opportunities to network with other small business owners - a great tool in helping to promote Imagination Station.
"I feel that the small business start up scheme has given me the confidence to grow my business and networking links as well as helping me to be realistic about future goals and projects.
"I'm now looking forward to the awards ceremony for the Forward Ladies Women in Business Awards I already feel like a winner just being a finalist."
Minister for Economic Development John Shimmin MHK said: "I would like to congratulate Alpana and Victoria on their success and thank them for their valuable contribution to the Isle of Man’s economy.
"The Small Business Start Up Scheme is a superb initiative and is an effective way of assisting small businesses to achieve growth. I would recommend anyone wishing to set up a business to check if they qualify for the scheme."
Alex Downie MLC, political member for the Department of Economic Development, said: "Our government is committed to supporting growing businesses and we are pleased to be able to provide support to help them to achieve their ambitions.
"I too would like to congratulate Alpana and Victoria and all those involved in making the Small Business Scheme a great success."
For more information on the Small Business Start Up Scheme e-mail sbus@gov.im or telephone 01624 682396.
