The ultimate guide to growing a business
Growing your business is an exciting time. But when it comes to finding finance, enthusiasm won't take you all the way. Preparation is key.
Having a clear picture of the road ahead helps you plan for any surprises that may arise.
It can help give you clarity when identifying suitable finance options, and confidence when looking to make the most of your opportunities.
This article will take you from planning your growth strategy to pitching to an investor. Here's everything you need to know about growing your business.
Planning for growth
So you know you want to grow your business - but what are you trying to achieve?
First, decide what success looks like to you. Then map out how you'll reach your goals.
- What's your action plan for the next 12 months?
- For the next three years?
- The next five years?
Once you have a clear vision, you'll get closer to knowing where external finance could come in.
Business need
You may have got to this stage thanks to a large chunk of will, excitement and momentum. But now it's time to breathe.
Spend some time identifying your business' key needs.
- Do you understand your strengths and areas of development?
- Do you have clear goals in place and the ambition to hit them?
A good foundation here will help you further down the line if you need to pitch to potential investors.
Assessing your options
You have the plan and you're ready to grow. But do you have the right financial capital to execute your strategy?
When you start to look for finance, it can feel overwhelming. It's worth getting to know the range of options before deciding which is right for you.
And it may be that your business could use more than one form of finance. So there's no harm in exploring - just be wary of over-leveraging your business as it may be off-putting for some investors further down the line.
Your decision
Break down your search for finance into steps.
One decision you'll have to make is between equity finance and debt finance. At a very high level:
- Equity involves selling shares to raise money
- Debt involves borrowing money
Choosing between equity and debt depends on a number of factors, including your attitude to ownership and growth.
If you're happy to sell a share of ownership and your business is ready to significantly grow over the long term, equity might be better for you.
Searching for finance
Once you've decided what type of finance suits your business, you need to start looking for an investor or finance provider.
It can be very tempting to take the first offer. However, it's important to keep your options open and find a deal that's right for you - whether that's the right type of debt or the right investor relationship.
Peers and networks
Speak to contacts who have gone through the same process. This should give you a better idea of what might work best for you.
Whether you're looking at equity or debt, there are lots of ways to access potential funders or investors.
You could find an expert finance partner or a financial adviser, for example. Not only can their wealth of knowledge help increase your reputation, but they have a network of valuable contacts too.
Don't forget to make the most of your own professional network. Grow your contact list by attending industry events. You'll quickly start to expand your pool of contacts, and a contact from your existing network can go a long way.
If you can't get an introduction from your existing contacts, write a personal email or make a phone call yourself.
- Search our finance experts
- Have a question about financial advisers? Read our FAQs
- View our calendar of industry events
Securing the finance
Like most businesses actively seeking investment or debt finance, you'll be asked to present your business plan and ideas.
See this as an opportunity to find someone who believes in your business as you do. If you know what you're looking for, an investor or lender can offer you much more than money.
You know your business better than anyone, so tell a story. Be honest and passionate: that way you're more likely to find someone you actually connect with.
Remember: this partnership could last long into the future, so it needs to feel right.
Final takeaway
Growing your business can be a long, hard journey. There are rarely any quick wins, or challenges you can avoid.
But if you're prepared for the slog and have a clear, well-thought-through business plan, the end result could be very rewarding.
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: Expanded edition
Our Making business finance work for you: Expanded edition is designed to help you make an informed choice about accessing the right type of finance for you and your business.
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