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Business Finance Guides

The first 12 months of any new business venture require a substantial financial outlay before positive cash flow begins to help the organisation grow.

While most new companies look to their bank for initial loans to fund their start-up costs, there are other alternatives available.

Funding is also sourced to purchase assets, cover working capital requirements during an investment phase or acquire competitors.

What Funding is Available?

There are two primary methods of financing a business can access.

Debt Finance

The most common funding for start-ups and expanding businesses is from debt. Typically these are classed as loans to the company from banks and other institutions.

Equity Finance

Companies may change their shareholding by selling the shares from existing shareholders or by issuing new shares and diluting the ownership structure.

Other Funding Sources

New forms of managing cash flow have also evolved in the form of invoice factoring although there are some disadvantages with this form of finance.

Banks are still lending to small businesses although the risk criteria associated with these loans has tightened in recent years.

Grants and Loans for Starting New Businesses

Secure £100,000 For Your Small Business Venture

There are numerous methods to secure the investment required when starting up. This article shows ways to secure £100,000 from a variety of sources.

Types of Standard Business Loans

A look at the types of loans available from banks, local and central Government, and other reliable sources to fund your start-up or expansion.

Government Small Business Grants

This article contains vital information on the types of government grants available to UK-based businesses including current EU funding sources.

Finance While Running a Business

Debt Factoring

A guide to debt factoring and how to convert your invoices into cash flow by using a company to pre-fund as well as collect the payments due.

Additional Money Guides

Financial Planning Management

Preparing professional financial forecasting models.

Business Banking Comparison

Comparison tables for the most popular bank accounts available for start-up and existing businesses.

Credit Scoring and Ratings

A low credit score could stop you receiving new credit terms for loans or credit cards. This article explains how credit scoring works and how to improve it.