Craig Donaldson, a financial consultant and director at Nottingham-based based BioCapita, explains why the business should win the innovation in funding category of the Guardian Small Business Showcase competition.
In order to raise funds to start my new venture I rented my home out while my wife was pregnant and moved in with relatives. Then once I was in the position to start the business I applied to the Nottingham Trent University’s The Hive programme.
My business is implementing solar PV technology commercially, which is extremely expensive to buy - especially on the scale I required. I therefore established a supply and fit contract with a well-established company already succeeding in the sector.
Although getting a supply and fit contract in place was difficult for someone new to the sector, I succeeded and even managed to win myself a six-month consultancy contract with the firm to implement domestic finance for their customers. This role allows me time to work on building my business and will benefit their organisation as well. I feel that although other entries will have far more elaborate stories, my story demonstrates true entrepreneurship. I’m driven to make this a success to provide the best possible life for my family.
I’m now in consultation with one of the world’s biggest food retailers with the hope of winning the contract for their 2016 solar PV project.
All entries which meet the competition criteria are published and our judging panel select a shortlist of the three for each category. Winners are announced at an awards ceremony in summer 2016.
