Making business finance work for you
Starting a business doesn’t come with a set of instructions.
We know that understanding the many different types of financial product in the marketplace and how they could support your business can be difficult.
Our Making business finance work for you guide is designed to help you make an informed choice about accessing the right type of finance for your business.
In this guide we’ve highlighted the seven most common challenges your business might face, and the types of finance that could help you meet them.
Those challenges include:
- Starting a business – Starting a new business often requires capital – money that is used to help research your business idea, create a prototype product, or purchase equipment or machinery that your new business will use.
- Research and development – Research and development (R&D) is when a business develops innovative products, services, or processes.
- Importing and exporting goods and services – Businesses selling goods or services overseas face risks when it comes to cash flow and receiving payment from buyers.
- Protecting cash flow and working capital – Cash flow can be unpredictable with unforeseen costs, seasonal fluctuations, and wider economic challenges all impacting business growth.
- Debt consolidation – If you have multiple loans or lines of credit, you may decide to consolidate the debts into a single, more manageable loan.
- Purchasing a major asset – If a small business is looking to acquire another business or invest in a large asset, such as specialist plant or machinery, an injection of capital may be required.
- Scaling and growing a business – Whether it’s opening a new location, expanding product lines, or increasing production capacity, growth requires capital.
Want to learn how to manage your start-up’s finances? Check out our free online courses in partnership with the Open University on being an entrepreneur.
Our free Learn with Start Up Loans courses include:
- Introduction to bookkeeping and accounting
- Companies and financial accounting
- Financial methods in environmental decisions
Plus free courses on finance and accounting, project management, and leadership.
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Reference to any organisation, business and event on this page does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation from the British Business Bank or the UK Government. Whilst we make reasonable efforts to keep the information on this page up to date, we do not guarantee or warrant (implied or otherwise) that it is current, accurate or complete. The information is intended for general information purposes only and does not take into account your personal situation, nor does it constitute legal, financial, tax or other professional advice. You should always consider whether the information is applicable to your particular circumstances and, where appropriate, seek professional or specialist advice or support.
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Making business finance work for you - download
- Designed to help businesses know what type of finance is right for them
- Discover the types of finance you can use to start a business
- Learn how finance can support your business growth
- Understand how to consolidate debt or purchase a major asset
- Read chapters on working capital, importing/exporting, R&D and more
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