Funding The question of funding, and specifically where to find it, is probably the most common question we get asked. If we had a pound for every time we are asked about sources of funding - well you know the rest of the saying! This section is a collection of possible funding sources, with emphasis put on that word possible. Banks are without doubt the major source of funding (loans or overdrafts) for start-up businesses in the UK. Then good old relatives, savings and friends. But there are grants and loans available from Chambers of Commerce, Business Links and other organisations. They will all want a business plan, and be warned, some are drawn out procedures and can require stiff criteria to be met. Good luck! Credit Unions are financial co-operatives owned and controlled by their members. They offer savings and great value loans plus they are local. Use this site to search for one local to you and to check their criteria for loans. The UK Grants and Support Directory allows you to search for potential sources of help with starting up or developing your business. The database contains schemes from central and local government as well as private organisations. Some of the schemes offer financial assistance, while some offer free or subsidised services ranging from advice through to practical involvement with projects. While many schemes are available nationally, some are targeted locally. Depending on your location, type of business and what you need the funds for, you may be eligible for a number of schemes in the GSD Searching for finance in the UK? Get Finance is an internet service designed to match borrowers to funding sources. The Prince’s Trust Assists 18 – 30 year olds into business, that are unemployed or under-employed, (part timers), without the financial means to start their own business. Enterprise Agencies a network of independent Local Enterprise Agencies - they are a good local starting point and don’t forget to check out funding possibilities with your local Business Link. PRIME national organisation dedicated to helping people aged over 50 set up in business. Loans may be available for the over-50’to help them start a business. Decision Finance can help your business with Commercial Mortgages, Loans, Factoring and much more. UK based. EU grants EU site with information on grants. GovGrants This site offers start up firms a gateway to all national and local sources of official sources of grants. It also offers a free grant search and a free copy of a download of their acclaimed guide; ‘All About Grants’ The Profit Engine web site is available to businesses wishing to expand their scope for investment. The web site serves two purposes: it allows businesses seeking funding to display their ideas and plans in front of accountants regularly searching for business plans to offer their investor clients. Simultaneously it enhances the services of accountants searching for lucrative investment portfolios to offer to this range of clientele. Small Firms Loan Guarantee as a small to medium-sized enterprise, you may have viable business plans that need funding, and for which a loan would be appropriate. However, you may be unable to obtain a conventional loan because you do not have assets to offer as security. The Small Firms Loan Guarantee (SFLG) helps to overcome this by providing lenders with a government guarantee against default in certain circumstances. For UK based businesses only. To buy 'Going Self-Employed' from Amazon follow the link below | 
