Simply Business: Empowering Dreams with the Business Boost Grant
Since 2020, Simply Business has been a beacon of hope for small businesses across the UK, offering nearly £100,000 in grants through their Business Boost initiative. This annual competition provides a £25,000 grant to one deserving entrepreneur, giving them the financial support needed to kickstart their business or bring their dream venture to life. The competition is more than just a financial boost; it’s a celebration of innovation, resilience, and the entrepreneurial spirit.
I only found out about this a couple of days ago and unfortunately, applications are now closed for this year, but I though it might be worth having a look into what they judges are looking for and to have a ponder to see what I would do if I were given £25,000 to setup my dream business from scratch.
Your Story
Every business has a unique story, and Simply Business wants to hear yours. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, your journey matters. The judges are interested in your trials and triumphs, the moments that defined your path, and the inspiration that drove you to pursue your business dreams. Sharing your story is not just about recounting your experiences; it’s about connecting with others who may find inspiration in your journey.
A Big Dream
Small businesses are often built on big dreams. Simply Business understands this and is committed to helping those dreams become a reality. They want to know what your big dream is and how the £25,000 Business Boost grant can make a significant difference. Whether it’s expanding your product line, opening a new location, or launching a marketing campaign, the grant is designed to help you take that next big step.
Positive Social Impact
As an accredited B Corp, Simply Business believes that businesses should be a force for good. They are looking for businesses that contribute positively to society, whether through improving diversity and inclusion, supporting local communities, or implementing sustainable practices. The judges want to see how your business makes a positive impact on the world around you and how the grant will help you amplify that impact.
Innovation
Innovation is at the heart of every successful business. Simply Business is looking for innovative ideas that set you apart from the competition. This could be cutting-edge technology, a unique business model, or the creativity needed to turn a hobby into a thriving business. The judges are interested in how your business idea is different and why it has the potential to succeed.
A Thought-Out Plan
A well-thought-out plan is crucial for any business. Simply Business wants to understand how you will use the £25,000 grant to boost your business. This includes your short-term and long-term goals, the strategies you will implement, and the expected outcomes. A clear and detailed plan demonstrates your commitment and readiness to take your business to the next level.
The Simply Business Business Boost grant is more than just a financial award; it’s an opportunity to share your story, showcase your dreams, and highlight the positive impact your business can have on society. By participating in this competition, you join a community of like-minded entrepreneurs who are passionate about making a difference. If you have a big dream and a plan to make it happen, Simply Business is here to help you turn that dream into reality. Apply today and take the first step towards a brighter future for your business.
What would be my business idea?
My Story
My journey into live event production began during my university days. With access to equipment that allowed me to produce multi-camera live events on a shoestring budget, I started working with local community groups to bring their productions to a wider audience. Initially, the equipment was used to provide video feeds to screens within the venue, enhancing the audience’s experience by offering better views and making performances more engaging.
Over time, my role evolved. I began collaborating with various event organizers to not only provide video feeds to venue screens but also to live stream events online. This transition opened up new revenue streams for event organizers and made performances accessible to a broader audience, including those who couldn’t attend in person due to illness or disability. By offering ticketed access to live streams, we ensured that everyone had the opportunity to enjoy the events, either by purchasing a ticket or being gifted one by the organizers.
A Big Dream
My big dream is to further expand the reach and impact of these community events. Some of the events I’ve worked on have grown significantly, now featuring performers from across East Riding of Yorkshire. However, travel limitations have prevented some groups from participating. To address this, I envision a setup where additional teams at various locations across East Riding can produce live streams that are then integrated into the main event. Alternatively, we could pre-record segments before the event and use them during transitions between live performances.
Initially, the second option of pre-recording segments is more feasible, as setting up multiple live locations would require significant investment. However, with the £25,000 Business Boost grant, I could begin to lay the groundwork for this vision, starting with the necessary equipment and training for remote teams.
Positive Social Impact
The positive social impact of my work is multifaceted. By live streaming events, we make cultural and community activities accessible to a wider audience, including those who are unable to attend in person. This inclusivity is particularly important for individuals with disabilities or health issues. Additionally, the revenue generated from online ticket sales supports the sustainability of these community events, ensuring they can continue to thrive and grow.
Moreover, by involving multiple community groups and performers from different areas, we foster a sense of unity and collaboration. This not only enriches the cultural fabric of our region but also provides valuable exposure and opportunities for local talent.
Innovation
Innovation is at the heart of my approach. From the early days of using university equipment to enhance live events, to the current model of live streaming and integrating remote performances, my work has always been driven by creative solutions. The idea of setting up remote teams to live stream from different locations is a testament to this innovative spirit. It would allow us to overcome geographical barriers and bring diverse performances together in a seamless, engaging way.
A Thought-Out Plan
With the £25,000 grant, my plan is to invest in the necessary equipment and training for remote teams. This includes high-quality cameras, vision mixers, streaming hard, and reliable internet connections. Initially, we would focus on pre-recording segments to integrate into live events, gradually building up to real-time remote streaming as resources allow.
In the short term, this approach will enhance the quality and inclusivity of our events. In the long term, it will lay the foundation for a scalable model that can be replicated in other regions, ultimately transforming how community events are produced and experienced.
The Simply Business Business Boost grant represents a unique opportunity to turn big dreams into reality. By supporting innovative ideas and positive social impact, Simply Business is helping entrepreneurs like me make a difference in our communities. With this grant, I could take the next step in my journey, expanding the reach and impact of community events and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate and enjoy. Apply today and join me in making a lasting difference.
The Equipment
Equipment Setup for Multi-Venue Live Streaming
Now that I’ve shared my background, aspirations, and future plans, it’s time to delve into the technical setup that will make this vision a reality. I’ll break this down into two parts: the equipment setup for each participating venue and the system to link these venues into a cohesive live stream.
Venue Setup
To keep costs manageable while ensuring simplicity for camera and switcher operators, I’ve designed a streamlined setup. At the heart of our camera system is the Blackmagic Studio 4K Pro G2, paired with a Panasonic Lumix 14-140mm lens. This combination provides ample zoom and focus range, enhanced by the Blackmagic Focus Demand and Blackmagic Zoom Demand. Each camera will be mounted on a Manfrotto MVK500AM Tripod System and calibrated using a Calibrite ColorChecker Video to ensure consistent visual quality across all cameras.
Each camera will connect to a Blackmagic Studio Converter via a Direct Cables CAT5E Drum (100m). This single cable setup simplifies operations by providing power, video feeds, tally information, and communication through one network cable. Additionally, each camera will be equipped with a Samsung T5 EVO USB 3.2 External SSD 4TB to record feeds for post-production editing. While dolly wheels for each camera would be ideal, they can be added later as budget allows. For now, three cameras will provide comprehensive coverage for our multi-camera setup.
Control Booth
In the control booth, the three camera feeds will be managed by a Blackmagic ATEM Television Studio 4K8. This switcher not only records the program feed on another Samsung T5 EVO USB 3.2 External SSD 4TB but also streams directly to the internet via its built-in streaming encoder. With eight 12G 4K SDI inputs, it can easily handle the three camera feeds, a Blackmagic UltraStudio 4K Mini connected to an Apple iMac for live graphics and video playback, and additional feeds such as presentations from a laptop via a Blackmagic Micro Converter Bi-Directional HDMI-SDI 12G.
To ensure smooth operation, the switcher operator will have a Blackmagic SmartView 4K G3 to monitor the multi-view during performances. Communication is key, so we’ll equip the AV team with beyerdynamic DT-109/M200/H400-B headsets and beyerdynamic K109.38-1.5m (5 pin cables) to maintain clear communication throughout the event.
Below you’ll find a breakdown of the above equipment and how much each costs.
Linking Multiple Venues for a Unified Live Stream
When it comes to linking multiple venues into a single live stream, the setup is straightforward yet effective. The key component is a switcher that can handle the number of participating venues. For smaller productions with one or two additional venues, the extra channels on the main venue’s switcher, such as the Blackmagic ATEM Television Studio 4K8, can be utilized. For larger productions, an additional switcher might be necessary.
Each venue will have a Blackmagic ATEM Streaming Bridge connected to an internet connection at either the main venue or wherever the main stream is being controlled. The Blackmagic ATEM Television Studio 4K8 in each venue can stream directly to Streaming Bridge via the internet. By configuring each venue to stream to its respective Streaming Bridge, we can then connect these bridges to the main switcher. This setup allows us to mix feeds from multiple venues seamlessly.
However, this approach does use the streaming output of each venue. If a venue also wants to maintain its own live stream, a Blackmagic Web Presenter 4K can be used. This device can take a copy of the program feed and stream it to the web, ensuring that each venue can still broadcast its own stream independently.
This method ensures a cohesive and professional live stream experience, bringing together performances from multiple locations into one unified broadcast. With the right equipment and setup, we can create an engaging and inclusive event that reaches a wider audience, regardless of their location.So, there you have it! This is my vision for utilizing the £25,000 Small Business grant from Simply Business. Although I haven’t been active in the industry for a few years, I genuinely believe that offering a service like this to local community groups, businesses hosting events, or local bands seeking exposure could significantly extend the reach of their events. Additionally, it could provide an extra revenue stream through virtual ticket sales.
I’d love to hear your thoughts. What would you do with a £25,000 Small Business grant? Would you make any changes to my plan? Would you swap out any of the equipment I’ve chosen, considering the budget? Please share your ideas in the comments below or on the social post that brought you here.