Alternative Finance
There are a wide range of alternative finance options available which can suit businesses of varying sizes and sectors. Many of these have grown considerably in the last few years and for many businesses, represent the best way of achieving the finance needed for setting up or growing. To understand the options available, a summary is included below.
Business Finance Explained
This GOV.UK guide (external link) includes an overview of the below sources of finance, including the advantages and disadvantages of each:
- Investment Finance
- Crowdfunding
- Loans
- Grants
- Overdrafts
- Invoice Financing
- Lease and Asset Finance
Visit the Great Business website (external link).
UK Crowdfunding
UK Crowdfunding was established in 2012 by fourteen crowdfunding businesses, aiming to promote and represent crowdfunding in the UK.
UK Business Angels Association
The UK Business Angels Association (UKBAA) is the national trade association representing angel and early stage investment in the UK.
Fredricks Foundation
Providing loans for businesses who are unable to access mainstream finance.
Visit the Fredricks Foundation website (external link)
Community Development Finance Association
Community Development Finance Institutions provide finance and also offer support and advice to people, businesses and social enterprises.
Visit the CDFI finding finance website (external link)
Non-Business Finance
For those involved in non-business ventures such as community initiatives, charities and social enterprises; the following sources of finance may be of interest:
- Esmee Fairbairn Foundation (external link) - grants/funds for charities and social action
- Local Trust (external link) - funding for community initiatives
- Government funding (external link) - funding for VCS
- Your National Lottery Good Causes (external link) - lottery good causes funding
- Funding Central (external link) - cabinet office search tool
- Big Issue Invest (external link) - social enterprise funding support
- Bernard Sunley Charitable Foundation (external link) - charity funding support
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