Although it may not reflect ‘real life’, the BBC’s Dragons’ Den programme has done a good job in highlighting the role that angel investors play in the business world.
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Raising Money
The Government launched the EFG scheme to encourage lenders to provide further funding to smaller businesses following the credit crisis. In this article, we look at the how the scheme operates in practice, and how small firms can benefit.
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Many businesses will need to raise funds at some time – either at the start-up stage, or to finance expansion. With ‘traditional’ credit still in short supply and the possibility of a ‘triple dip recession’ in 2013, here is an overview of the various options open to small businesses looking to raise funds.
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Raising business finance is difficult at the best of times but in today’s age of austerity banks, business angels and governments are tightening their belts, cutting off the supply of cash which is leaving start-ups and growing businesses who need seed finance thirsty for money. As a result venture capital is being democratised.
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Here are some Bytestart tips on how to keep on top of your business finance, based on our experience of running small businesses over the past 15 years.
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Angel investors can be a lifesaver for a small enterprise – not only can they supply capital investment, but they often have years of valuable experience to offer to a business.
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To raise money to grow your business, you have to convince likely lenders that your idea is profitable, or at least has the potential to be.
This guide explores the main types of finance available, and highlights what investors and lenders look for in a business before they lend it money.
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If you’ve ever watched an episode of Dragons’ Den (and find me anyone in business who hasn’t watched at least one episode) you’ve seen some venture capitalists in action.
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One day you’re sitting in the middle of a faceless thankless office pretending to do whatever it is that they pay you to do, when BOOM, your head almost explodes with the force of impact of a business idea popping into existence. It’s amazing, it’s earth-shattering, it’s going to be the biggest thing since sliced bread met the sandwich toaster!
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Borrowing money from a bank to finance your business is a lot harder than getting a loan to buy a new car or to improve your home.
Banks have a number of tough rules that you need to know before you approach them for a loan, and these rules have become even more stringent as a result of the credit crunch.
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At Bytestart, we have come across hundreds of would-be entrepreneurs over the past decade. We have also had the pleasure of meeting plenty of angel investors and industry insiders. Here are some tips on what business owners should do to impress potential investors.
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Launched in 1995, shortly after the introduction of the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS), Venture Capital Trusts allow individuals to invest in a range of small unquoted companies and spread their risk. Income tax and CGT reliefs are available to investors in VCTs.
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Created in 1994, the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) provides investors with a series of attractive reliefs in return for investing in unquoted companies which may carry a higher degree of risk. How do companies and potential investors qualify to take part in the Scheme?
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Stock market quoted companies are valued according to widely accepted formulas, however there are no ‘standard’ ways to value small or micro businesses. We look at some of the issues which arise if you are planning to sell your business.
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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 article, we look at the main sources of funding that are available.
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All too often, a lack of funding is cited as a barrier to expansion. However, a better understanding of the lending process can often help businesses navigate this more easily and secure the finance they require.
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Many small businesses use credit cards to manage expenses. With such a vast array of offerings in the marketplace, what should you look out for when choosing a business credit card supplier?
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Funding is essential for growth, but how do you ensure that you can secure it? Here Kim Farrell, Corporate Finance Partner at Essex-based chartered accountants CBHC LLP, offers some helpful advice.
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The availability of bank loans for businesses is a hot topic at all stages of the economic cycle; during downturns, lending can become tightened, while upswings in relatively recent times have seen some businesses take on significant debts in order to make hay while the sun shines.
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When it comes to selling a business, the most important question you need to ask is – how much is it worth?
Unsurprisingly, there are no precise ways to value a private business. The seller will want to drive the price up, and potential buyers will want the opposite.
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