The Creation Station is offering £2,000 grants to help you start an arts & crafts franchise

For budding entrepreneurs looking to take the leap and be your own boss in 2018 there’s never been a better time.

One UK franchise has even launched an incentive to encourage more people to start their own arts and crafts businesses this year.

The Creation Station, an award-winning art and crafts activity company passionate about inspiring imaginations and nurturing children’s potential, is offering a grant of up to £2,000 to help people start up their own Creation Station franchise.

The grant – which is open for applications until March 31 2018 – is being offered to support proactive and friendly people to run their own arts and crafts business and inspire their local community.

It makes the franchise a low-risk and low-cost business opportunity as successful grant applicants will only need to pay a £7,999 franchise fee, which includes access to full training and support, an exclusive area, a dedicated website, and £2,500 worth of tools and materials.

Established in 2002, The Creation Station boasts a network of over 100 franchise owners across the UK who, through arts and crafts classes, parties and events, have inspired more than 650,000 children and adults.

Activities offered by the chain include newborn keepsakes, preschool classes, parties, after school clubs, adult crafts events and event entertainment.

Last year, the franchise brand was awarded a number of accolades including ‘Best Franchise Owner Micro Business’ by the British Franchise Association (bfa), a 5-star rating in an independent franchise owner’s satisfaction survey, and ‘The Best Franchise in Children’s Services Award’.

For those interested in its franchise opportunity, The Creation Station will accept applications from people who “haven’t done anything like this before” and promises to enable you to “grow your business at a rate and pace that suits you and your lifestyle”.

Lisa Hagg, a Creation Station franchisee who operates in Bournemouth, commented:

“I wanted to change my career from corporate banking to have more time with my girls. Now, seven years on, I am so glad I took the decision to run my own Creation Station.

“I’ve been there for my girls for school runs and events. At the same time, I’ve grown my business steadily and the support from our Creative hub team has been great. It’s great fun and I’ve made so many friends within my community – I LOVE what I do.”