Big Issue Foundation

Mark’s new business

What we do is not rocket science. We help people right when they need it. Often with simple grants through our Vendor Support Fund that can make a big impact on the lives of our vendors. One application that was recently approved was for Mark’s new business. In his own words…

"My name is Mark. I started selling The Big Issue thirteen years ago. A friend told me about The Big Issue and suggested that I get a badge."

mark in bathWhat we do is not rocket science. We help people right when they need it. Often with simple grants through our Vendor Support Fund that can make a big impact on the lives of our vendors. One application that was recently approved was for Mark’s new business. In his own words…

“My name is Mark. I started selling The Big Issue thirteen years ago. A friend told me about The Big Issue and suggested that I get a badge.

I like my pitch in Devizes, Bath. I’m pretty well known in the town now and have quite a few regulars, which keeps me at a steady income – people like to see that you’re making an effort. I have now also started my own business buying and selling vinyl records.

The staff at The Big Issue have been really helpful and suggested that I apply for some funding from to help me get my business off the ground. The Vendor Support Fund provided by The Big Issue Foundation offers financial support to sellers who need help moving on. They pay 80% of what you need and you pay the rest.

My application was approved and thanks to this, I now have business cards and banners for my vinyl business! The banners are great for letting people know you’re there and the business cards mean that people know how to reach you easily. In the future I would like to make this full time job. A shop might be a bit expensive but maybe a market stall in Devizes.”

All this is possible because of your support so thank you! If you’d like to donate, you can help us to help more people just like Mark.

Support someone in your own community

With our online vendor map, you can support a local vendor by supplementing their income with a subscription to Big Issue. For every annual subscription sold via a vendor, a vendor receives £50.

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