Business Finance Guides
Most start-up businesses need finance to cover their initial cash flow in the first year of trading. But existing businesses needing to expand also seek additional capital to grow their market share or move into new product development.
Additional business finance is generally used to purchase assets, fund working capital and cash flow, aid research and development or commercial mortgages.
Types of Financing Available
There are traditionally 2 methods of financing - debt finance (classed as loans) and equity finance (issuing new shares) but these days you can release cash in your business through other means such from your invoicing and credit control department.
Most people turn to their banks which can sometimes be the best and worst decision. In each of the guides below we explain the type of finance available and whether banks or other brokers could be the best solution.
Use the links below to find out more about each method.
Finance Whilst Running a Business
- Debt Factoring
A guide to debt factoring and how to convert your invoices to instant cash flow by using a company to pre-fund as well as collect payments due - Invoice Discounting
A guide to invoice discounting business finance offerings. Similar in nature to factoring but here your company still acts as a credit controller - Commercial Finance
A guide to what is meant by the term "commercial finance" and the types of funding available both to SME and large corporate ventures - Cash flow calculator
A handy online interactive calculator that shows how your cash flow is calculated from revenues such as sales against all of your costs
Grants and Loans for Starting new Business
- Raise £100,000 for your small business
There are plenty of ways you can raise finance for your small business - or are there? This article takes you through some of these ways and points you towards areas where you can get this finance from. - Small business loans
A guide to getting loans for your small business start up directly from banks or other lenders and the other forms of direct loans available - business banking comparison
How to get free business banking for your start-up or existing business. Most banks offer some form of free banking period. Some for life. - Government small business grants
This article contains vital information on government small business grants that are available around the UK. There are also local grants available too. - credit rating
A low credit score could stop you receiving new credit terms for loans or credit cards when you apply. Here's what a credit score means and how to improve it. - business angel investments
A business angel could solve two problems for you. One they invest cash into your business but also help you run and manage your organisation. Read our guide to how this may help you. - Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme
The Dti runs a scheme to guarantee up to 75% of a business loan. This article shows you what you need to undertake to receive a loan under the scheme guarantee.