Problem is that CAA have a responsibility to protect the travelling public which means they must have a reasonable feel that the operating plan will be successful.
There are or were companies offering there AOC to others to start operations but I'm a bit out of touch and don't know who or where they are at present. Air Foyle were one and perhaps BAC another. I would also be tempted to talk to airlines that have in the past tried to spin off other carriers such as Atlantic Airlines.
Once you're up and running with a couple of routes you can apply for your own licence and should have an easier path.