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Sources of finance for your business

Learn how to secure investment finance, overdrafts and loans with our selection of guides and online resources.
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ICAEW guides

The Business Finance Guide
  • Helpsheets and support
  • 2016
This independent guide draws on the expertise of partners from across the finance industry and business community to provide information on the financing options that may be available to entrepreneurs, startups and businesses at every stage of development.
Exclusive ICAEW and the creative industries
  • Helpsheets and support
  • 2020
The creative industries are major contributors to culture, the economy and innovation. They’re fast growing and employ more than three million people – across film, fine arts, design, music, video games, fashion, TV, crafts, publishing, radio, photography and heritage.
Access to finance special
  • Hub page
  • 2023
ICAEW Insights examines the finance options and support available to businesses, as well as the challenges they face in obtaining it.

External resources - UK government

Alternative Business Funding
  • Website
  • Alternative Business Funding
A matchmaking service for small businesses and alternative finance providers.
British Business Bank
  • Website
  • British Business Bank
An economic development bank launched in 2013 to create more effective finance markets for smaller businesses in the UK.
Finance and support for your business
  • Website
  • GOV.UK
List of publicly-backed finance or business support schemes. With hundreds of schemes available, this is a good starting point to find out which ones you are eligible for and which suit your needs.
Start-up loans
  • Website
  • GOV.UK
A government funded scheme to provide loans and mentors for entrepreneurs. As well as start-up finance the scheme offers coaching to applicants to prepare for the pitch for the loan, help prepare a business plan and mentoring for a period after the loan has been received.
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ICAEW accepts no responsibility for the content on any site to which a hypertext link from this site exists. The links are provided 'as is' with no warranty, express or implied, for the information provided within them. Please see the full copyright and disclaimer notice.

External resources - Other sources of finance

Better Business Finance
  • Website
Developed by the British Bankers' Association, the Better Business Finance website brings into one place a wide range of finance providers across Britain.
ByteStart - Finance
  • Website
The Finance section of the ByteStart website has a range of articles outlining the different types of funding businesses can call on, such as bank loans, business angels and crowdfunding.
Enterprise Europe Network
  • Website
The Enterprise Europe Network helps small businesses develop into new markets, source or license new technologies and access EU finance and funding.
European Investment Fund
  • Website
The European Investment Fund (EIF) is involved in a number of initiatives to promote regional business development.
Good Finance
  • Website
A UK website aimed at charities and social enterprises. It provides information and advice on locating socially responsible sources of finance.
Terms of use

ICAEW accepts no responsibility for the content on any site to which a hypertext link from this site exists. The links are provided 'as is' with no warranty, express or implied, for the information provided within them. Please see the full copyright and disclaimer notice.

External resources - Atom business funding guides

Business angels
  • Website
  • Atom Content Marketing
Finance of £25,000 to £750,000 can be surprisingly difficult to obtain. Banks generally require security and many venture capital firms are not interested in financing these amounts. This MoneyDonut guide covers which businesses are suitable for angel investment, finding an angel, pitching to investors, the right business angel and the investment process.
Environmental grants and loans
  • Website
  • Atom Content Marketing
If you are considering making your business more environmentally responsible, there are a variety of grants, loans and government-sponsored initiatives can help you. This MoneyDonut guide covers environmental support basics, finding a grant, what you can get a grant for, making the application, your financial contribution, environmental loans and environmental awards.
Essential guide to financing your start-up business
  • Website
  • Atom Content Marketing
The right start-up financing gives your new business a solid financial base. It makes sure you have the funding to cover your short-term needs and to make the most of opportunities to grow.
Finance your high-growth business
  • Website
  • Atom Content Marketing
Whether you need to invest in developing new products and approaching new markets, or fund increasing levels of working capital as sales increase, the right financing lets you make the most of your growth potential. This MoneyDonut guide covers your growth finance needs, investigating potential grants, bank finance, investment finance, getting your business investment ready, preparing your business plan and agreeing the financing.
Start up business grants
  • Website
  • Atom Content Marketing

Securing grant funding could really help your business develop and grow. This MoneyDonut guide covers grant funding - potential problems, grant schemes, identifying possible grants, applying for a business grant, writing your grant application and grant payments.

Venture capital
  • Website
  • Atom Content Marketing
Venture capital (also known as private equity) may be the answer if you need additional finance but are unable or unwilling to increase your borrowings. This MoneyDonut guide covers venture capital criteria, the drawbacks, types of finance, approaching venture capital firms, the investment process and using advisers.
Terms of use

ICAEW accepts no responsibility for the content on any site to which a hypertext link from this site exists. The links are provided 'as is' with no warranty, express or implied, for the information provided within them. Please see the full copyright and disclaimer notice.

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