Raising Money

Small business funding - what are the main sources of finance?
Most small businesses will, at some stage, seek funding or investment - for growth, starting up, or to see them through a transitional period (or a downturn). In this high level article, we look at the main sources of funding that are available. [May 28, 2009]

Business angels - what are they, and how they can help your business
A guide to business angels - what they are, what they can provide, and how to work out if an outside investor is the right person to seek for your small business. [May 26, 2009]

Angel investment - how to secure business funding
Businesses left struggling to find working capital or replacement to bank debt can instead turn to the rising prominence of angel investment as a viable alternative. Here are some top tips to help steer them through this sector: [May 6, 2009]

What are venture capitalists, and how do I attract their interest?
VCs invest money into businesses they believe have potential for significant growth. They get their returns by taking their share of the profits each year, or by getting a significant return on their investment when the business is sold. [April 16, 2009]

The Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG) Scheme
The government has announced the launch of the Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme (EFG). It aims to help businesses with a turnover of up to £25 million to secure bank loans of up to £1 million. [January 14, 2009]

Asset based lending flourishes as traditional funding dries up
As traditional sources of business funding have become harder to get hold of over the last year, more and more businesses are turning to alternative sources of finance, including asset based lending. We look at what this type of funding involves. [September 12, 2008]

Top tips for managing debtors and late payment
As late payment problems continue to blight the small business world, here are some golden rules for dealing with debtors during a downturn and ensuring that you keep on top of your cashflow management. [September 9, 2008]

Why a good credit rating is essential for small companies
With a 10% increase in business failures in the second quarter of 2008, it has never been more important for small companies to maintain a good credit rating. Article includes essential tips to maintain a good business credit score and a low risk profile. [August 4, 2008]

Small Business Funding – Borrowing options for small businesses
With credit currently in short supply, here is an overview of the various options open to small businesses looking to raise funds. Small business funding options include bank overdrafts, business loans, asset finance, invoice finance, and other types of investment funding. [July 11, 2008]

Business Valuation Guide - How to value a business
When it comes to selling a business, the most important question you need to ask is - how much is it worth? In this article, we look at some of the most commonly used valuation techniques, and how other factors may influence the value of a business at any given time. [June 25, 2008]

Small Business Loans - An Overview
Small business loans can provide a very flexible solution to any type of funding requirement. This article provides a high level overview of startup loans and what to look out for. [March 25, 2008]

Applying for a small business loan: preparation before meeting your bank manager
There are some clear steps you can take before meeting your bank manager that will increase your chances of getting the business loan you need. [August 22, 2007]

The secrets of getting a business bank loan
Banks have a number of tough rules that you need to know before you approach them for a loan. Here are the secrets behind getting that business bank loan. [August 21, 2007]

How does the Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme work?
The Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme is particularly useful for businesses that have been turned down for loans elsewhere, because they don’t have enough assets to secure the loan. [July 16, 2007]

How to fund your business - Overview
One of the least exciting things about starting your own business is getting the finances sorted out (unless you’re an accountant of course). An overview of some of the main business funding options. [June 26, 2007]

Factoring - Get your business funding to work harder, so you don't have to!
More and more owner-managers are recognising that significant time savings can be made if they outsource this element of their operations to factoring specialists and invoice finance. [June 7, 2007]

Invoice Finance boom for small businesses
Invoice Financing is rapidly growing in popularity for businesses who use assets as a means of funding business development. [June 5, 2007]

Dragons' Master Class - the numbers you need to know!
This article highlights some of the financials that any aspiring entrepreneur needs to know before submitting or pitching a business plan to a ‘dragon’ of any hue. [May 1, 2007]

How to boost investor interest in your startup business
Start-up businesses can increase their chances of funding by taking early steps to structure their business to take advantage of the tax incentives available to potential investors, says g2i. [February 28, 2007]