Alternative finance

Sponsored By:

SmallBusiness.co.uk is working in partnership with Finpoint to help you find the right finance for your business. This section provides comprehensive guides and articles on the different alternative finance options for UK small businesses and entrepreneurs. There are many different types available, including crowdfunding, peer-to-peer lending, micro loans, equity finance and angel investments, plus various strands of asset-based lending and refinancing.

For smaller businesses looking to grow, alternative finance providers are often better aligned to their needs – not only because they can offer less strict criteria than traditional lenders like banks, but also because they can be more flexible and responsive whilst offering a better customer service.

The alternative finance market is a dynamic sector in the UK, driven by the country’s twin strengths in fintech and investment banking services. Business funding for British SMEs from alternative finance firms now tops £15bn annually and is set to grow strongly up to and beyond the 2020s. Read on for ideas, analysis and case studies to see if it could benefit your company as well.

How angel investment beats foreign direct investment

Here, Jenny Tooth of the UK Business Angels Association explains why she thinks that angel investment is better than foreign direct investment.

Alternative finance

Crowdfunder Seedtribe reveals exactly why it rejects businesses

If you apply for finance on Seedtribe and get rejected, the reason why may be on this list.

Crowdfunding for Business

How to launch a successful crowdfunding platform

In this guide, we provide three quick tips to give your crowdfunding platform the best chance of success.

Alternative finance

Does microfinance really help entrepreneurs?

Microfinance refers to financial products or services aimed at low-income individuals, especially those who are in areas not served by banks or traditional financial services providers and those who don’t qualify for typical financial services.

Alternative finance

Financing tools for the blue collar business owner

For many small businesses, equipment financing is a fact of life.

Alternative finance

Crowdfunding the most searched finance term for businesses

Crowdfunding is the most searched business finance term, showing a real indication that businesses are looking beyond traditional means of funding.

Alternative finance

How can a merchant cash advance help fund your business?

You need to provide the best experiences for your customers. But a competitive market doesn't give small businesses any breaks. You can move your business forward with a merchant cash advance.

Alternative finance

Four tips if your business is classified as high-risk

Even if your business is considered a high risk, you don’t have to close down your business because you can’t collect payments. Here's why.

Alternative finance

How can a merchant cash advance help fund your business?

You need to provide the best experiences for your customers. But a competitive market doesn't give small businesses any breaks. You can move your business forward with a merchant cash advance.

Alternative finance