Grow the Business

Successful applications for grants and prizes can result in a double whammy of publicity and funding, enabling you to then expand your business. By winning 2018’s Stylist/Prix Clarins award – an annual prize awarded to an inspirational woman improving the lives of the next generation through a charitable endeavour – Vincent has received a £30,000 injection for Secret Projects, which she will spend expanding into new communities in India and developing more products, as well as a bespoke mentoring programme. Other schemes offering monetary and business support to social enterprises include Virgin Start Up, The Arts Council, Comic Relief, The Heritage Lottery and Santander’s Changemaker Fund.

“My advice is not to apply for any grants until you are already off the ground,” says Vincent. “You have to invest so much time into winning start-up grants, which is high risk when that time could be spent making revenue instead. Once you have proven to yourself that your idea is workable and worthwhile, you are much more likely to be successful.”

How this woman empowered a community of women through fashion