Finance

Appropriate financing can make or break your business plans. Our overview of how to secure the finance needed to start up or grow your business.

Finance - overview

Appropriate financing can make or break your business plans. Our overview of the main options for the finance needed to start or grow your business.

Business loans - overview

Our introduction to borrowing money for your business - your options, how to work out how much you need and how to make sure you're creditworthy.

Business grants - overview

Getting grant funding for your business can be difficult - but very valuable. Our guide to finding grants you might qualify for, and how to apply.

Equity finance - overview

Getting investment for your business can be vital when borrowing isn't an option - but it can mean giving up some control. Read our overview.

Business angels looking at laptop
Article

Essential guide to business angels

Business angels are wealthy individuals who provide capital - and sometimes advice - in return for company shares. Here's how to pitch to an angel.

Person holding car keys and tapping on tablet
Article

Essential guide to car finance

Get finance for your business cars wrong and you could end up with big headaches and even bigger bills. Read our guide to arranging car finance terms.

The exterior of the London Stock Exchange
Article

Essential guide to floating your company

Floating your company can help you raise business finance or realise the value in your business. Read our guide to floating your company on one of the UK stock markets.

Two business people looking at information and performing calculations
Article

Essential guide to valuing a business

The worth of a business is based on how much profit a buyer can make from it, and the potential risks. Read our guide to valuing your business.

Investors meeting around a table
Article

Essential guide to venture capital

Venture capital firms provide business finance in return for shares. Our guide to pitching for venture capital investment and the possible drawbacks.

Business people and potential investor in a meeting
FAQs

Obtaining venture capital FAQs

Sourcing venture capital, negotiating a deal and deciding on shareholder rights and management input. What to do if things go wrong.

person on desk, with laptop and writing on notepad
Article

Getting a grant - checklist

Your business might be entitled to claim a grant. Here's how to identify a scheme and apply for grant funding.

Family members come together to fund a start up business
Article

Q&A: Family investors

Andrew Niblock, commercial lawyer at Keystone Law, explains the importance of signing contracts with family members investing in your business.

Asset finance calculation sheets
Article

Q&A: Asset finance

Steve Richardson of Funding Options answers key questions about asset finance and how it could benefit your business, starting with the basics.