Finance

Appropriate financing can make or break your business plans. Our overview of the main options for the finance needed to start or grow your business.

Our introduction to borrowing money for your business - your options, how to work out how much you need and how to make sure you're creditworthy.

Getting grant funding for your business can be difficult - but very valuable. Our guide to finding grants you might qualify for, and how to apply.

Getting investment for your business can be vital when borrowing isn't an option - but it can mean giving up some control. Read our overview.

A well-researched business plan with realistic cash flow forecasts is essential for securing business investment or loans. Our overview.

Doing business overseas can be complex and risky. Our guide to your options and the financial issues you might face when importing and exporting.

Business angels are wealthy individuals who provide capital - and sometimes advice - in return for company shares. Here's how to pitch to an angel.

Get finance for your business cars wrong and you could end up with big headaches and even bigger bills. Read our guide to arranging car finance terms.

Exporting can be more financially complex than selling in the UK. How to negotiate payment methods, choose financing and deal with foreign currencies.

Businesses often find that factoring (or invoice discounting) is a more flexible source of working capital than bank finance. Read our guide.

The right financing lets you make the most of your business' growth potential. Read our guide to the different sources of finance available.

Hiring or leasing equipment is one way to make your working capital go further. Here's how to make sure you get the right deal.

Floating your company can be one of the most exciting experiences in your business life. But it can also be stressful, time-consuming and expensive.

Many businesses find importing requires more financial flexibility than buying from a UK supplier. Our guide to credit, currency and payment terms.

Venture capital firms provide financing in return for shares. Business angels do the same, but usually expect a higher degree of personal involvement.

Sourcing venture capital, negotiating a deal and deciding on shareholder rights and management input. What to do if things go wrong.

Overdrafts and bank loans are the most common form of external financing available to businesses. Read our guide to reducing the cost and risk.

If you have a promising business but can't provide the security needed for a bank loan, a supported loan scheme may be what you need.

The worth of a business is based on how much profit a buyer can make from it, and the potential risks. Read our guide to valuing your business.

Venture capital firms provide business finance in return for shares. Our guide to pitching for venture capital investment and the possible drawbacks.

How to manage both the investment you put into your business as an owner-manager, and the income, profits and other benefits you get from it.

There are many ways to raise business funds - but which is right for you? Jonathan Amponsah reviews the top finance options for small businesses.

There's a common misconception that grant funding disqualifies your business entirely from claiming R&D tax incentives - but it's not true.

According to a government poll, 18% of small businesses want to move banks. There are compelling alternatives to the high street banks, as we explain.

If your business is looking to raise finance, be sure you're not accidentally putting off potential investors. Avoid these fundraising faux pas.

When setting up a new business you need to be clear about how much money you are going to need and where to find it. Read our overview of the options.

Your business might be entitled to claim a grant. Here's how to identify a scheme and apply for grant funding.

Attracting investors is a difficult process. This is especially true for new businesses without trade history. But here are a few tips to help you.

Access to bank credit can prove tricky for start-ups and small firms. Crowd funding is one solution, but is it a viable option for you?

Finance is important to any business. We explain 12 common sources of start-up and development finance for businesses needing cash.

Andrew Niblock, commercial lawyer at Keystone Law, explains the importance of signing contracts with family members investing in your business.

Steve Richardson of Funding Options answers key questions about asset finance and how it could benefit your business, starting with the basics.

Funding can be hard to come by and competition is fierce - but by planning your approach you can maximise your chances of attracting finance.