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Alternative finance

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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.

Why a merchant cash advance offers an exciting funding solution for small businesses

Here's why a merchant cash advance could offer a quick and easy short-term, unsecured funding solution for your small business.

Alternative finance

Crowdfunding for Business

How to raise money on Crowdcube

In this piece we look at Crowdcube, the largest equity crowdfunding platform, and discuss how it can benefit small businesses.

Alternative finance

Raising money on Funding Circle: A small business guide

Here, we look at Funding Circle, the largest peer to peer platform, and discuss how it can benefit small businesses.

Crowdfunding for Business

Crowdfunding on Indiegogo: A small business guide

In this piece, we look at how to approach crowdfunding your business on Indiegogo.

Alternative finance

SyndicateRoom: A business guide to using the platform

Here, we present a guide for small businesses on how to use the equity crowdfunding platform SyndicateRoom.

Alternative finance

Crowdfunding on Seedrs: A small business guide

In this piece, we look at how you can get into crowdfunding your business on Seedrs.

Crowdfunding for Business

The equity crowdfunding market: A small business guide

In this piece from BusinessAgent.com, we find out about the equity crowdfunding market in the alternative business funding space, and how to go about getting it.

Alternative finance

How to use alternative business funding to help your company grow

Martin Lane, managing editor of money.co.uk, discusses the range of alternative business funding options for you to consider as a small business owner.

Crowdfunding for Business

The equity crowdfunding market: A small business guide

In this piece from BusinessAgent.com, we find out about the equity crowdfunding market in the alternative business funding space, and how to go about getting it.

Alternative finance

How to use alternative business funding to help your company grow

Martin Lane, managing editor of money.co.uk, discusses the range of alternative business funding options for you to consider as a small business owner.

Alternative finance

Applying VAT in the world of crowdfunding

What do small businesses need to consider when looking to find investment from crowdfunding? Here, Gavin Barker of Ayming looks at the VAT implications of crowdfunding.

Alternative finance

UK businesses looking for finance are finding it harder to get a loan

With Brexit and political uncertainty causing credit conditions to tighten, one in ten businesses are looking for finance from a non-bank lender.

Alternative finance

To VC or not to VC – that is the question

Here, Adam Riccoboni, managing director of Critical Future, discusses how beneficial a venture capitalist can be for small businesses.

Crowdfunding for Business

Equity crowdfunding: The 12 things small businesses need to know

Equity crowdfunding is a method of alternative business finance that many businesses are pursuing today. Here are some top tips.

Partner content

Small business owners: discover alternative funding solutions to help fuel your growth

Business Technology

Why you should upgrade your tech now rather than later

To run an optimal business, you must have optimal tech. We explain why you must upgrade your business technology on a regular basis

Investing in a franchise

Should I buy a franchise or go solo?

Starting a new business is an exciting venture. But – especially in well-established industry sectors – a key question is whether it would be better to buy a franchise or go solo.

Partner content

16 ways to improve your business cash flow

Read here for 16 tried and tested tips and tricks to improve potential cash flow problems