Help!...

So many designs on paper and no means to get them into production. Is this what happens when you leave university and living on a modest wage? Has the economy really gone against new designers wanting to get into the industry as a stand alone entity? Is there any sponsors out there willing to take the chance and invest in said designers?
    I would love to hear of success stories where someone has raised cash by their own means to make a viable living from what they love doing.