SAXOPHONE player Julia Stead is making music pay after setting up in business with the help of the Tyneside Economic Development Company (Tedco).
Ms Stead, 30, from Jarrow, in South Tyneside, has been playing in bands since she was a teenager, but recently decided to go solo.
She said: "I wanted to take the next step to give me more control of my business affairs, so I decided to seek expert advice and help.
"Tedco helped me put together a business plan to attract funding to help with the cost of buying equipment and transport."
With the help of Tedco, Ms Stead applied for a business start-up grant from South Tyneside Development Fund via South Tyneside Economic Development Team, and arranged a low-cost loan through the Prince's Trust.
Tedco business advisor Sue Taylor said: "Julia's request for business help was certainly different, but it just goes to show that if you have a skill you can use it to start a new venture."
* For business start-up help Tedco can be contacted on 0191-428 3300
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