Of course you can ask around for work experience. Your age shouldnt have anything against you, if anything youd be trusted to do well. When i completed a makeup course i was only 18 and didnt get alot of work because they said i didnt have enough experience.. pfft swing and roundabouts id say.
But with you having a small amount of exp already you should easily be able to find some work . as for funding no idea, im looking for some myself!! Qualificaions arent always everything especially if you are going to work for your self.. it just supports you a bit. You could always do a course once youve got a little bit of money from small jobs you do now....
Goodluck!!
