 Starting a business is an exciting journey, but one of the most significant challenges entrepreneurs face is securing the right funding. Whether you're asking, "Where can I raise funds for my business?" or "I need help to grow my business," this simple and straightforward guide will walk you through everything you need to know to access finance and achieve your start up goals.
The Importance of Business Grants Grants are another great way to help raise money for your business without taking on debt or giving up equity. Unlike loans, grants don't require repayment, making them an attractive option for startups with limited financial resources. However, the application process can be competitive and detailed, requiring well-thought-out business start-up plans and business development plans for which you may require some professional help. How to Secure a Business Grant 1. Understand the Requirements Every grant has specific eligibility criteria. For instance, some grants focus on particular industries, locations, or size of firm. Ensure your business aligns with the grant’s objectives. 2. Develop a Solid Business Plan Having a clear business plan is crucial. A strong and feasible business plan demonstrates your strategy for growth, including business investment plans, business growth plans, and business expansion strategies. With this its more straightforward to respond to their application forms 3. Leverage Advisory and Brokerage Services Engage with a business advisor or consultant to guide you through the process. Our advisory and brokerage services can help you refine your application and present a strong case. If its not up out street, we can sign post or refer you to the right place. Some Useful Sources 1. Government Grants UK Government Programs:
Sector-Specific Grants:
Tax Incentives:
2. Local Councils Many councils offer grants tailored to small businesses and startups in their regions. Example:
3. National Lottery Funding Supports community-driven and creative projects. Examples:
4. UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)
5. Private Organizations and Foundations
6. Industry-Specific Grants Agricultural Funding:
Tech and Innovation:
7. Charities and Non-Profit Organizations Many charities provide grants for community or business development aligned with their missions.
8. Crowdfunding and Match-Funding Schemes Platforms like Crowdfunder UK often partner with councils or institutions to match funds raised by small businesses. 9. Specialised Programs Export and Trade Support:
If grants are not an option, consider these alternatives:
Why Choose Us We are a team of experienced business advisors and finance consultants specializing in helping startups and small businesses in the UK. Whether you’re asking "I need help to start my business" or "How to grow your business," or “I need funds to help my existing businesses cash flow” we provide personalised solutions tailored to your needs. Our Services Include:
Conclusion Securing funding for your business doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right guidance, resources, and business improvement strategies, you can confidently navigate the financial landscape and focus on growing your business. Let us help you raise finance and build a successful, sustainable business. Contact us today on 0333 355 1696 or send us a message at [email protected] to discuss your business needs and explore tailored solutions!  Every entrepreneur led business, no matter the industry, tells a story—your story. Whether it’s to potential customers, partners, stakeholders, or competitors, the decisions you make in your business shape its identity and reflect your vision, strategy, and goals. From the way you approach funding to your strategies for growth, your business is a testament to what you stand for as an entrepreneur.
So, what message does your business convey? Let’s explore six key areas that define your narrative: 1. Raising Finance: Fuelling Growth and Vision One of the first challenges for any entrepreneur is answering the question: “How will I fund my business?” Raising finance is critical, whether through start-up loans, equity funding, or securing investment from business angels or venture capitalists. Success in this area demonstrates not only your ability to attract funding but also your business’s credibility and potential. It’s a clear indicator of your determination and readiness to grow. 2. Access to Finance: Opening Doors to Opportunity Accessing finance is more than just securing funds; it’s a validation of your business’s viability and future potential. Crafting compelling business plans, whether for start-ups or expansion, can instil confidence in investors and stakeholders, positioning your business as a worthy opportunity. By securing financial backing, you’re making a bold statement about the strength and future of your venture. 3. Business Health Checks: Ensuring Longevity Regular business health checks are the backbone of sustainable growth. These evaluations provide crucial insights into your current performance, identifying strengths and areas for improvement. By proactively addressing issues, you can implement actionable strategies to improve business performance, ensuring you remain on a steady trajectory toward your goals. Regular assessments are a hallmark of businesses that are serious about longevity and success. 4. Improving Business Performance: A Continuous Process Every business, regardless of size, should prioritise continuous improvement. From optimising small business operations to implementing large-scale business improvement strategies, the goal remains the same: to streamline processes and maximise outcomes. Seeking guidance from business consultants or advisors can offer tailored recommendations, helping you stay ahead of competitors and consistently drive success. Continuous improvement signals adaptability and a commitment to excellence. 5. Strategic Planning: Designing a Roadmap for Growth Strategic planning is the foundation of any successful business. Clear, well-defined plans—whether for development, growth, or expansion—provide a roadmap for achieving both short-term and long-term objectives. Effective business growth strategies involve attracting new customers, retaining existing ones, and innovating for sustained success. Strategic planning reflects a business owner’s ability to think ahead, adapt, and thrive in a competitive landscape. 6. Advisory and Brokerage Services: Expert Support for Success Navigating the complexities of business finance and growth can be challenging. That’s where expert advisory and brokerage services come into play. These professionals can connect you with investors, assist with securing loans, or provide insights to refine your strategies. Engaging with experts not only enhances your business’s performance but also demonstrates your commitment to making informed, strategic decisions. What Story Is Your Business Telling? Ultimately, your business reflects your decisions, strategies, and aspirations. Whether you’re just starting or looking to scale, the steps you take today define your future success. By focusing on securing the right funding, improving performance, and planning strategically, you’re not just building a business—you’re crafting a narrative of resilience, innovation, and growth. Your business is a testament to your ability to turn ideas into reality, overcome challenges, and attract opportunities. Make sure it’s saying something inspiring, compelling, and worth listening to.  In today’s fast-paced world, change is happening everywhere—from the economy to technology, and even how we do business. Knowing when and how to adapt can mean the difference between stagnation and growth. Whether you’re running a large corporation, a micro-enterprise, or launching a new start-up, embracing change is crucial to achieving your business goals. Here’s how you can start:
1. Assess Your Financial Needs Before exploring funding options, it’s vital to conduct a thorough business health check. This step allows you to evaluate your current financial position, identify areas for improvement, and set a clear roadmap for the future. If you’re wondering, “Where can I raise funds for my business?”, consider these options:
2. Develop a Business Growth Plan With your funding options identified, it’s time to turn your vision into action by creating a comprehensive business development plan. This plan should focus on:
3. Improve Business Performance Continuous improvement is key to staying competitive. Here are some actionable strategies:
If you’re thinking, “I need help to start or grow my business,” reaching out to a business advisor or consultant can make all the difference. Experts can provide personalised advice, help you develop robust business investment plans, and connect you to funding opportunities. Don’t hesitate to seek guidance when navigating complex challenges or pursuing ambitious goals. 5. Leverage Local Resources Located in Romford, Essex, we’re here to support entrepreneurs in Romford, Havering, and surrounding London boroughs. We can connect you with fellow business owners, potential investors, and local resources to empower your journey. Our mission is to help businesses like yours thrive through guidance, networking, and tailored support. Embrace Change for Business Success Change is not just inevitable—it’s essential for growth. By proactively assessing your needs, securing the right funding, and implementing effective strategies, you can set your business on the path to sustainable success. Whether you’re seeking equity funding, start-up loans, or expert advice, the first step starts today. Let’s Talk About Your Business Goals If you need support with any of these areas—or anything else related to your business—contact us today at 0333 355 1696 or email us at [email protected]. Let’s work together to turn change into opportunity! 7 ways a Finance and Business Consultant Can Transform Your SME: Key Insights for Growth12/11/2024  Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of any economy, yet they often face significant hurdles on their path to success. Challenges around raising finance, scaling, and developing effective business growth strategies can be difficult to overcome without professional guidance. For SMEs partnering with a business consultancy can be a game-changer. In this post, we’ll discuss how finance and business consultants can help SMEs like yours achieve transformational growth. 1. Accessing Finance for Your SME Access to finance is essential for any business seeking to grow. However, navigating funding options can be daunting. Business Consultants provide SMEs with targeted help to raise finance, connecting them with relevant resources, funding options, and investors who specialize in small business development. Types of Funding Available for SMEs:
If you’ve been wondering, "Where can I raise finance for my business?" a business consultancy can answer that question and walk you through each stage of securing funds. 2. Conducting a Business Health Check Understanding your company’s current standing is the first step in formulating a successful growth strategy. Business Consultants often offer business health checks, which evaluate everything from cash flow and financial metrics to operational efficiency and employee productivity. These assessments provide a detailed picture of your business's strengths and areas needing improvement, offering actionable insights to set a robust foundation for growth. Once a business health check has been completed, a consultant can recommend business performance strategies that address these areas and pave the way for sustained improvement. 3. Developing Business Performance Strategies For SMEs looking to grow, having clear, results-oriented business improvement strategies is essential. Consultants can recommend personalised strategies for improvement tailored to your business’s unique needs, including:
Implementing these strategies can set your business on a path to outperform competitors and strengthen its market position. 4. Crafting Business Growth and Expansion Plans Creating comprehensive business growth plans and business expansion strategies is a core strength of many Consultants. These plans provide a roadmap for scaling up your operations, entering new markets, or launching new products and services. For SMEs, an experienced business advisor can help develop a well-structured business growth plan that includes the following:
By setting achievable goals and establishing key milestones, these plans provide structure to your business’s growth journey. 5. Leveraging Advisory and Brokerage Services Business consultants are not only advisors but also connectors. With extensive networks, they provide advisory and brokerage services to connect you with investors, partners, and professionals who can support your SME’s growth. This network access is often invaluable, especially for SMEs that lack established industry connections. For example, a consultancy might link you to business angels, venture capitalists, or financial institutions that understand your industry and are open to providing the funding you need to grow. This personalized approach to networking helps ensure you find the right partners and resources at each stage of your business journey. 6. Recommendations and Suggestions for Long-Term Improvement Consultants don't just focus on short-term gains; they offer recommendations to improve business performance in the long run. Some of these suggestions for business improvement include implementing sustainable practices, investing in employee training, and staying adaptive to technological changes. Ongoing advisory services provide a safety net, allowing SMEs to regularly assess their progress and make adjustments as needed. With a business consultant by your side, you’re better equipped to meet both current demands and future challenges head-on. 7. Transform Your SME with Expert Guidance If you’re based in Romford, Havering, Essex, or surrounding London areas and are thinking, “I need help to start my business” or “I need help to grow my business,” engaging a business consultancy could be your key to unlocking growth potential. By following a structured approach that includes raising finance, improving business performance, crafting growth strategies, and connecting with valuable networks, Consultants offer SMEs the tools to overcome obstacles and achieve their ambitions. Whether you need a business start-up loan or are looking to improve small business performance, the right consultancy can provide the tailored support necessary for success. Conclusion: A business consultancy can be the catalyst that helps you transform your SME, addressing your unique challenges with actionable and feasible insights and access to the correct critical resources that align with your business. From developing business investment plans to suggesting ways to improve business performance, a consultant’s expertise can provide the support your SME needs to thrive in a competitive marketplace. Don’t let the common hurdles of SME growth hold you back—partner with a consultancy, and let your business reach new heights. If you need any advice, support or help with any of the above, give us a call today on 0333 355 1696 or send us a message at [email protected] Business Loans Romford | Business Loans Hornchurch | Business Loans Brentwood
Business Loans Barking | Business Loans Dagenham | Business Loans Ilford Business Loans Stratford | Business Loans London  Purchasing new equipment or machinery can place a significant strain on your business’s cash flow. However, opting for asset finance can help alleviate this pressure by offering flexible financing solutions tailored to your needs. Here, we explore the key benefits of asset finance and why it could be the ideal choice for your business.
1. Flexible Terms Asset finance offers tailored agreements with flexible repayment terms. These terms can be adapted to fit your business’s cash flow needs, whether that means spreading payments over several years or choosing a payment structure that aligns with your revenue patterns. By choosing asset finance, your business avoids large upfront payments, enabling you to invest in essential equipment without draining your reserves. 2. Small or Zero Upfront Costs One of the main advantages of asset finance is the small, or even zero, upfront cost involved. This allows businesses to acquire the necessary assets without making a large initial capital outlay. Instead, you can spread the cost over time, making it easier to manage your finances while still gaining access to essential equipment. 3. Tax Efficiency Many forms of asset finance, such as finance leases, are tax efficient. Some lease agreements are fully tax-deductible, meaning your business can claim back a portion of the costs, reducing your overall tax liability. This makes asset finance a smart financial decision, as you gain the equipment your business needs while potentially saving on tax expenses. 4. Competitive Edge Access to the latest equipment and technology can provide your business with a critical competitive edge. Asset finance enables you to keep up with advancements in your industry without having to invest huge sums of money upfront. By financing state-of-the-art machinery, you can improve your operational efficiency and offer better products or services, staying ahead of competitors. 5. Improved Cash Flow Spreading the cost of equipment over several months or years helps maintain healthy cash flow. This frees up funds for other business operations, such as marketing, staffing, or product development, reducing financial strain and ensuring your business can continue growing. 6. Simplified Budgeting Most asset finance agreements feature fixed monthly payments. This predictability is invaluable for budgeting purposes, as it shields your business from interest rate fluctuations or unexpected costs. You know exactly what you need to pay each month, allowing for more accurate financial planning. 7. Protection of Existing Credit Lines By opting for asset finance, you avoid tying up existing credit lines with your bank or other financial providers. This means you’ll still have access to emergency funds or additional credit facilities if an unforeseen situation arises, offering greater financial security. In conclusion, asset finance offers a cost-effective and flexible way to acquire essential business equipment without straining your cash flow. With benefits such as improved tax efficiency, simplified budgeting, and maintaining a competitive edge, it’s clear why many businesses choose this financing option. For more information on how asset finance can support your business, contact RBSS Consulting at [email protected] or call 033 33 55 1696.  Starting or growing a business is a significant decision, one that requires careful thought and planning. Knowing if your business is the right fit for you can determine its success and your personal satisfaction. This is paramount, as this will give you the opportunity to venture into a different business or completely different career if you are walking the wrong path. Several factors come into play when assessing the suitability of a business venture, especially when considering how to secure the right financial and strategic support. Let’s dive into the key aspects that can help you determine if your business is truly right for you in five simple steps: 1. Aligning Your Passion with Your Business Plan Aligning your passion with your business plans is key to long-term success. When you build a business around something you love, it fuels motivation and resilience. Focus on your strengths, stay authentic, and ensure your business solves a real problem. Passion-driven businesses often create stronger connections with customers and lead to sustainable growth. To make informed decisions, you may want to start by consulting a professional business consultant 2. Financial Considerations: Are You Ready? One of the biggest challenges faced by businesses is accessing adequate funds. Ask yourself: “Where can I raise finance for my business?” There are many options available, from the different start-up loans to equity funding and venture capitalists. Researching your options and engaging with the right business consultants offering advisory and brokerage services can provide guidance on finance availability, business expansion strategies and business growth plans. For instance, business angels or venture capitalists may offer funding in exchange for equity, while start-up loans provide a more traditional route to help raise money for your business. You can also consider business health checks to ensure that your business is financially viable before committing to the correct funding options. 3. Understanding Performance and Growth Potential A good way to determine whether your business is right for you is by examining its potential for growth. Business performance strategies are crucial to ensuring sustainable success. Regular evaluations and business health checks will help you assess the current state of your business and identify areas where business improvement strategies are needed and could be put in place. Some strategies to improve business performance include optimising operations, improving customer service, or creating new revenue streams. If you're wondering how to improve small business performance, consider working with an advisor who can recommend business improvement strategies tailored to your needs. Business consultants can provide recommendations to improve business, focusing on key areas such as how to improve business performance and specific business start-up plans. 4. Planning for the Long Term A strong business growth plan is essential for any venture. Your business start-up plans should include a detailed path for scaling, as well as business investment plans that secure future success. Crafting business development plans that are flexible and adaptable is key to adjusting with market changes. Additionally, consider business expansion strategies to grow your business and get more customers. Engaging with experts who can help you craft business performance strategies will position you to identify opportunities and leverage them effectively. 5. Accessing Professional Support Starting or scaling a business is no easy feat, which is why many entrepreneurs turn to business advisors or brokers for expert guidance. These professionals can assist in securing business loans, navigating equity options, and providing insights on how to improve business performance. If you’re feeling uncertain, an advisor can offer personalised recommendations and business health checks to ensure your venture is on the right track. Seeking advisory and brokerage services will provide you with clarity on potential risks and opportunities. Whether you need help in raising finance or refining your business start-up plans, expert support is readily available. Conclusion: Is Your Business the Right Fit? Knowing whether your business is right for you involves more than just having a good idea. It requires passion, proper financial planning, strategies to improve performance and professional support. By aligning your personal goals with solid business growth plans, ensuring you have access to finance through business loans, equity funding, business angels, friends or family and regularly evaluating your business performance, you will be able to confidently say whether your business is the right one for you. If you’re ever unsure, remember that there’s always help available, whether you need advice on how to grow your business, support with business expansion strategies or start-up loans to get things moving, all you need is to give us a call today on 0333 355 1696 or send us a message on [email protected].  Micro and small businesses have unique strengths that often give them an edge over their larger counterparts. From flexible financing options to personalised growth strategies, these enterprises can leverage various advantages to thrive in competitive markets.
 On August 1, 2024, the Bank of England reduced interest rates from 5.25% to 5.00%. This change has significant implications for businesses in the UK and beyond. Here's how it can affect your business:
 Revolutionise your bottom line: 5 key strategies to modernise your financial operations
In the rapidly evolving finance sector, technology stands as a fundamental pillar of innovation and operational efficiency. This blog explores how embracing advanced technological solutions is crucial for modernising financial operations, with a focus on raising finance, providing robust business loans, and enhancing business support and planning. Here are five transformative strategies: 1. Automation and Efficiency Automation revolutionises financial management by handling repetitive tasks such as data entry, transaction processing, and compliance checks with unprecedented speed and precision. This not only minimises the risk of human error but also liberates staff to concentrate on higher-value activities such as strategic planning and analysis, thereby boosting productivity and operational efficiency crucial for business support. 2. Enhanced Decision-Making with Big Data and Analytics The surge of big data equips financial institutions with critical insights, facilitating improved decision-making. By employing advanced analytics and machine learning, businesses can process extensive datasets to identify trends, forecast outcomes, and provide actionable recommendations. This capability enables quicker, informed decisions, helping firms adapt to customer demands and market shifts, an essential aspect of business planning. 3. Blockchain: Revolutionising Security and Transparency Blockchain technology is transforming the recording and verification of financial transactions by offering a decentralised, immutable ledger. This enhances the transparency and security of financial operations, making it a powerful tool for minimising fraud, optimising processes, and boosting confidence in transactions—key considerations in securing business loans and raising finance. 4. The Rise of Fintech and Digital Banking Fintech startups and digital banking platforms are reshaping how customers interact with financial services. These platforms provide easy access to a plethora of financial services, from business loans and online banking to investment management and digital wallets. This shift not only offers convenience but also propels the finance industry forward, compelling traditional institutions to innovate and adapt. 5. Future-Proofing with AI and Machine Learning AI and machine learning are spearheading the next wave of financial innovation, from algorithmic trading to personalised financial advice and risk management. These technologies enable more sophisticated financial operations, providing deep insights, anticipating client needs, and effectively responding to market dynamics. Conclusion Integrating technology into financial operations transcends the mere adoption of new tools; it involves rethinking the approach to finance in a digital age. As technological advancements continue, their impact on finance will expand, presenting both new opportunities and challenges. For businesses, keeping pace with these trends and leveraging innovation is essential for improving efficiency, making informed decisions, and achieving sustained growth in a dynamic financial landscape. In this digital era, the future of finance lies in effectively merging financial expertise with technological innovation, propelling operations toward heightened efficiency, transparency, and success.  Grants and loans are both mechanisms to secure funding, but they differ significantly in terms of their structure, purpose, and obligations.
Here's a comparison: 1. Definition:
To learn more or if you are interested in a business loan or business grant, please contact RBSS Consulting Ltd on 033 33 55 1696 or email us on [email protected].  Not a business plan I am often assured that a professional business, such as a consulting firm has a business plan and when I ask to see it, it often isn’t a business plan. Instead, it’s an income and expense budget with a cashflow forecast. In other words, it is what banks ask for when considering a loan application, such as Start-up loans for access to finance and something small businesses ask their accountant to prepare, for no other reason than for a loan application. Often when I ask the business owner which actions are aligned with the business plan to achieve the forecast numbers, I usually get a shrug of the shoulders, a weak smile and a; “It’s just the arithmetic of the number of clients I think I’ll provide a service for throughout the year”. So, what should a business plan actually be? Well, before answering that, consider this: You have a sole trader client who is a self-employed plumber. In presenting last year’s accounts and tax return, he says to you, ‘I need help to grow my business by getting more customers’. He would therefore be expecting help in certain areas, such as; on how to improve business performance by putting business development plans in place. You probably wouldn’t recommend a business or marketing plan because you don’t have either of these yourself. And if otherwise, it wouldn’t be the right place to begin anyway. And because you were unable to help him, he falls prey to a more costly marketing consultant or you lose him to a more forthcoming competitor. However, if your business already had a good business plan it would have identified your plumber’s problem and how to deal with it profitably. You would have the right suggestions for business improvement and therefore strategies to improve business performance which will address the cause of his lack of customers and cash flow. Back to the business plan. What should it look like if you are to help your plumber client put some business growth plans in place via a business plan? VISION A sentence that states 5-10 years from now; what status your business looks to achieving to make it stand out. An example would be; “the biggest/most profitable small local business solutions advisor” MISSION STATEMENT A sentence that states what your business does, who for and to what standards. For example; “we help small businesses to solve problems and grow” OBJECTIVES Six statements of which must be measurable and achievable to fulfil the Mission Statement and keep moving towards the Vision:
For example; “All round business/financial advisory services to small/medium businesses”
For example; “Practical solutions at affordable prices for permanent income from every customer”
For example; “Automation everywhere to minimise employment and maximise data”
For example; “A small stable group of experienced people that will exceed planned results”
For example; “a 100% return on total assets” STRATEGIES The approaches I will take to ensure that the objectives are achieved. For example; “Quarterly market intelligence report on competitor activities” ACTION PLANS The detailed steps that named individuals will take by specific dates. For example; “Eric will set up a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system loaded with prospects and clients by 30 June 2021” BUDGET The expected expenses incurred by implementing the business plan and the revenue receipts as a result. For example; “New costs of £50,000.00 to get total sales to new customers of £240,000.00 for 2021” REVIEW Monthly management accounts showing actuals compared to budget. Weekly/monthly KPI (key performance indicators) report of pre-sale statistics and trends. Meetings to agree to corrective actions and changes. If you are an accountant wanting to grow your business and to understand how to add better value to your clients, then please click here. If you can resonate with any of the above points or need assistance or guidance relating to a new or existing business plan or any other guidance related to your business, get in touch with us today. Please feel free to call and speak to an RBSS Business Advisor on 0333 355 1696. drop us an email, or use the form below. We provide real business solutions for start-ups and existing micro and small businesses. Business Loans Romford | Business Loans Hornchurch | Business Loans Upminster | Business Loans Brentwood
Business Loans Barking | Business Loans Dagenham | Business Loans Ilford Business Loans Stratford | Business Loans London  As businesses in the United Kingdom and the world at large begin to open up, now is the time to do some recovery and reconstruction thinking and look at business improvement strategies. You need to think about:
Once the above has been decided, it’s time to think about how to fund and achieve the direction. This could involve a further business investment. You may need help in various areas and raising finance may be one of them. You may need it for; cash flow, paying staff, buying stock, buying equipment, re-designing your business model, paying for operating expenses or even to pay for an exit strategy and much more. There are different ways of getting different business funding, however I am focusing on business loans at this point. Here are 5 tips to achieve this: 1. Hire a Business Consultant. If you are unsure of where to start, I would recommend your starting point as consulting a Business Advisor or Mentor or finance Consultant. There is also your bank manager, googling it (not a joke actually) or speaking to another business who has successfully raised a business loan. One of the specialities of a Business and Finance Consultant is to advise on how to access finance. This could include, raising finance for a new business, such as various start up loans or a business loan to grow your existing business to fund new products or services. A Business Advisor could also advise you on if you want to expand or divert your business too, with the intention of getting more customers. They can also help you carry out a Business Valuation, Performance and Health Check Service to improve business performance by making your business sustainable, compete effectively, improve profitability, structure your decision-making process and achieve business goals to ensure it is on the right track. It is always advisable to get an expert, such as a Business Advisor’s opinion on the best business loans to go for. That way, you are guided on whether getting the business loan is in your interest, at the right time, which one and how much to apply for. 2. Due Diligence. Usually, a lot of businesses fail at the first hurdle on their way to getting a business loan. To access finance, you will need or be in a position to get the following: Previous years' Management Accounts (regardless of if you are a sole trader or limited company), up-to-date management accounts coupled with at least 3 months business bank statements. In some cases, a business plan with a 2-year cash flow forecast. In addition to this, you may be required to provide the last set of 4 quarters of VAT submissions, and your latest debtor’s book. Now not all of this may be required by the same funder at the same time, however get them ready, be prepared or have ready access to them if you are looking for some serious funds. 3. Don’t ask for a 100%. If you are looking to build a business with no skin in the game in terms of financing it and you are looking for an unsecured loan, then if wishes were horses, beggars would ride. No funder want to fund 100% of your growth or new business. They need to see you have invested something in cash or in kind, something tangible. There are various ways to show your investment in the business and I’m not talking about your time spent working in the business, but actual quantifiable ways. 4. Seek available funding. If your business has been affected negatively by the COVID-19 pandemic, I would advise you first opt for the UK government’s Recovery Loan Scheme. The government is providing it to help businesses of any size to access loans and other kinds of finance to enable them to recover after the pandemic and transition period. Up to £10 million is available per business, and the actual amount offered and the terms are at the discretion of participating lenders. These are a network of accredited lenders, listed on the British Business Bank’s website. The government guarantees 80% of the finance to the lender. However, as the borrower, you are 100% liable for the debt. The scheme is open until 31 December 2021, subject to review. You can also be rest assured that the terms and repayment rate will be one of the lowest you will be able to get in these times. 5. Alternative lenders. Another option of how to access a business loan, is through a number of alternative funders, such as funding circle and the like. They offer loans to businesses that have at least a 2-year history. There are also other alternative lenders out there that have great options and levels of flexibility for repayment, such as VA Money, etc. As a Finance Broker, we are able to help you access these hidden sources of funds, who you may only e able to approach through a broker like ours. If you are unable to get a business loan, how about considering outside investors? Perhaps you are willing to sell shares to Business Angels or venture capitalists or consider crowd funding. We work closely with Crowd cube as one of the organisations to help our clients raise funds? Having investors can also bring in additional business expertise, and this can be in the form of contacts, networks you may not have access to, mentoring, etc This isn’t exhaustive and therefore it takes us back to my first point on using a Business Advisor to advise on the best possible way on how to get access to finance. That is what they are there for and will do all the leg work for you, besides knowing your best options and leaving you to spend your valued time running your business especially if you are low on staff or a micro business. If any of the points stated above resonate with you or you would just like some advice on which direction your business is heading, get in touch with us today. Please feel free to call and speak to an RBSS Business Advisor on 0333 355 1696 or drop us an email on the link below. We provide real business solutions for start-ups and existing micro and small businesses. 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