Understand your finance options
If you have a growing business, there’s an external finance option to match your ambition.
External finance is any funding you obtain from outside your business. It can come from friends and family, from a traditional bank or even from an investor.
On this page, we help you understand what external finance options are available and how they could help your business grow.
Equity and debt finance
Finance options can be grouped into two categories – equity and debt.
Equity finance is where a business sells shares to raise money. Debt finance is where a business borrows money from a lender, and then pays it back with interest.
Focus on finance options
There are numerous types of equity finance and debt finance. Here, we direct you to our dedicated pages on the different equity and debt products, so you can do your research and establish which might be best for your business.
Learn more aboutFinance finder tool
Use this quick and easy tool to find finance options for your business. Answer six simple questions and learn what types of investment may be most suitable for you.
Learn more aboutEverything you need to know about external finance
The good news for entrepreneurs is that there is a wealth of finance options out there to help grow a business. We answer some common questions, so you can make an informed decision about your funding future.
Learn more aboutHow equity finance can transform your business
There can often be a lot of capital available to British businesses that are looking to take their next funding step. Read more about the impact equity finance can have.
Learn more about5 benefits of equity finance for growing businesses
Businesses want to grow for a variety of reasons – to invest in R&D, to enter new markets, or to refinance, for example. But why should they consider equity as an option to fund their growth plans? Find out the benefits of equity finance here.
Learn more aboutWhen it might be worth considering equity and debt
Equity or debt – it’s a choice many entrepreneurs face. And there are advantages to both. The right option for your business depends on a number of considerations. Learn more on this page.
Learn more aboutRegions and nations funding guide for smaller businesses
Regional funding programmes aim to support smaller businesses across the UK's regions and devolved nations in areas such as early-stage development and capital.
Learn more aboutReference 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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