Several types of bank finance are available, with different packages to suit your needs as your business requirements change.

Short-term finance

• Overdrafts are used with business bank accounts and are a flexible source of working capital for short-term needs. 

• Bridging finance is provided by the bank to businesses to maintain cashflow while awaiting funds from grant cheques, drawdown of commercial mortgages or loan agreements, or other confirmed sources of future income.
   
• Invoice finance includes factoring and invoice discounting. It offers ways to access working capital by unlocking the value of invoices. Interest rates and charges apply on the cash advanced.  Invoice discounting allows you to draw on funding secured against approved invoices, while in factoring you can sell invoices to your financier.

Medium-term finance

• Term loans have a fixed or variable interest rate and mature over a one- to seven-year period. They are typically used to buy fixed assets such as property or machinery or other purchases of a capital nature. 

• Asset finance and leasing options allow businesses to spread the ownership associated with buying assets. When you buy assets through leasing finance, the leasing bank buys the equipment for you to use, in exchange for regular payments.

Long-term finance

• Commercial mortgages are provided by banks to finance the purchase of business premises. Types of mortgage available include repayment, commercial endowment or pension. You can get advice on providers of commercial mortgages from your bank's business adviser or a commercial mortgage broker.

• Fixed asset loans are loans for assets that cannot easily be turned into cash - eg property, plant or machinery. The loans can be fixed for up to ten years. With this type of loan, the asset itself is the collateral and can be repossessed if you do not maintain repayments. 

For more information see bank finance.

Watch this video tutorial which outlines the common sources of funding for businesses, including bank finance, equity finance and government grants.

Equity finance is a way of raising capital from external investors in return for handing over a share of your business.

Sources of equity finance for smaller private businesses include:

• Venture capitalists - a type of private equity business.
• Business angels - private individuals with experience of being entrepreneurs themselves.
• Crowdfunding - a number of people each invest, lend or contribute small amounts of money to your business or idea.
• Stock market - selling a percentage of your business in the form of shares, which are subsequently traded on the stock market.
• Shares and shareholders - shares represent ownership of a company. Individuals buy shares in your company and become one of its owners.

Is equity finance right for your business?

Different forms of equity finance suit different business situations.

It is likely to be most suitable where:

• the nature of a project does not suit bank loans or other forms of debt finance
• the business will not have enough cash to pay loan interest because it is needed for core activities or funding growth

Questions to ask yourself include:

• Are you prepared to give up a share in your business and some control? Investors expect to monitor progress and many seek involvement in significant decisions.
• Are you and your key people confident in the business' product/service? Does it have a unique selling point that singles it out?
• Do you have the drive to grow the business?
• What industry experience and knowledge does your management team have? Is there a variety of skills?

For more information see equity finance.

Watch this video tutorial which outlines the common sources of funding for businesses, including bank finance, equity finance and government grants.

Crowdfunding is where a number of people each invest, lend or contribute small amounts of money to your business or idea. This money is combined to help you reach your funding goal. Each individual that backs your idea will usually receive rewards or financial gain in return.

There are different crowdfunding options to choose from. Each type has different benefits for businesses and investors. You will need to consider which one is right for your business, project or venture:

• Reward crowdfunding - investors to contribute to your venture in return for non-financial benefits.
• Debt crowdfunding -  investors fund your project in exchange for financial interest on their investment.
• Equity crowdfunding - people invest money in return for shares, or a small stake in your business, project or venture.
• Donation crowdfunding - designed for charities, this type of crowdfunding enables people to donate to a project.

Investors using crowdfunding will often look for:

• evidence of a tested idea that has the potential for future growth and development
• an idea belonging to a high growth sector (eg technology), or an industry that the funder has a personal interest in
• a niche idea that has an established audience in the marketplace

Crowdfunding usually takes place through a website. The platform will manage any online payments, and may often offer services such a video hosting, social networking, and enabling contact with contributors. 

There are many crowdfunding platforms, each with different funding models and requirements. It's important to research and choose one that's best for your business, project or venture - see crowdfunding websites.

For more information see crowdfunding.

Watch this video tutorial which outlines the common sources of funding for businesses, including bank finance, equity finance and government grants.

Venture capital (VC) funding is a form of private equity investment, where a business obtains long-term funding in exchange for a share of its equity.

VC funding is mainly sought by start-ups or new businesses with high growth potential. Companies can also use it to expand, fund management buy-outs or buy-ins, or develop new products.

Private equity (PE) funding is a general term for investments in private companies - usually financed from a fund set up by big institutional investment firms.

Venture capital (VC) companies draw on private equity funds to invest in new businesses with high growth potential, eg technology start-ups. In exchange, they take part of the business' ownership, making a profit when they sell their stake and exit the company.

VC investment criteria

VC's typically invest in businesses with:

• a minimum investment need of around £2 million, though smaller regional VC organisations may invest from £250,000
• an ambitious but realistic business plan
• a product or service that offers a unique selling point or other competitive advantage
• a large earning potential and a high return on investment within a specific timeframe, eg five years
• sound management expertise - although VCs tend not to get involved in the day-to-day running of the business, they often help with a business' strategy

Before you approach a venture capital (VC) business, you should research what sort of private equity (PE) funding would be best for your business needs. Different types of investment, for example, seed funding, product development and succession funding, are suitable for different stages of business development.

When choosing a VC fund, look for:

• funds targeting your business sector
• investment criteria
• quality of advice and support provided by investors
• amount of finance - some PE firms specialise in investments below £100,000
• geographical location of PE investors and how near they are to your company

For further information see venture capital.

Watch this video tutorial which outlines the common sources of funding for businesses, including bank finance, equity finance and government grants.

A grant is a sum of money given to an individual or business for a specific project or purpose.

A grant usually covers only part of the total costs involved. However, as long as you keep to any conditions attached to the grant, you will not have to repay it or give up shares in your business.

Grants to help with business development are available from a variety of sources, such as the government, local councils and some charitable organisations.  These grants may be linked to business activity, geographical areas or a specific industry sector.

The government provides support to businesses both financially, in the form of grants, and through access to expert advice, information and services. 

There will be strong competition and the eligibility criteria for grants can be strict. Criteria vary but are likely to include the location, size and industry sector of the business - see grant eligibility.

There are also strict terms and conditions that apply to all grants. If these aren't followed, immediate repayment of the grant can be required. However, generally you do not have to repay grants or interest on them unless you break the conditions.

Currently, the main groups that award grants are:

• the UK government
• Northern Ireland government
• local councils - see find your local council in Northern Ireland

For more information, search the Northern Ireland business support finder.

Read about Invest NI support for business.

Watch this video tutorial which outlines the common sources of funding for businesses, including bank finance, equity finance and government grants.

It's common for owners of small and start-up businesses to look to relatives and friends for support when they need additional business funding.

This can work well, but often these arrangements are informal and based purely on trust and verbal assurances. Any confusion about the agreement could damage personal relationships, so it is important that both parties are clear about what any investment will involve.

Before you approach a friend or relative for funds to support your business, be clear about what your requirements are:

Loan

If your business needs immediate and relatively short-term funds, a loan may be most appropriate. Decide whether you can afford to pay interest, or whether you are seeking an interest-free loan. If you do pay interest there will be tax implications for both you and the lender.

Investment

If the business needs longer term or permanent funding, you may want to consider giving your investor a share in the business. If you choose this option, think about whether you need an active partner or shareholder.

Advantages and disadvantages of raising finance from friends or family

There are clear benefits to approaching family or friends, rather than conventional sources of funding, for a loan or investment.

Generally, they will be flexible. On a practical level, they may offer loans without security or accept less security than banks. They may also lend funds interest-free or at a low rate.

However, transactions of this nature can be complex. Any misunderstandings about the arrangement can damage relationships.

It's a good idea to approach friends and family in the same way you would a formal lender:

• Be clear about your own expectations - specify how long you need the money for.
• Detail the repayment level you can afford.
• Spell out how many shares or what profit the investor will receive - and when any returns will be paid.
• Clarify whether an investor will have any financial liabilities for your business activity.
• Draw up a formal written agreement.

For more information see financing from friends and family.

Watch this video tutorial which outlines the common sources of funding for businesses, including bank finance, equity finance and government grants.

Several types of bank finance are available, with different packages to suit your needs as your business requirements change.

Short-term finance

• Overdrafts are used with business bank accounts and are a flexible source of working capital for short-term needs. 

• Bridging finance is provided by the bank to businesses to maintain cashflow while awaiting funds from grant cheques, drawdown of commercial mortgages or loan agreements, or other confirmed sources of future income.
   
• Invoice finance includes factoring and invoice discounting. It offers ways to access working capital by unlocking the value of invoices. Interest rates and charges apply on the cash advanced.  Invoice discounting allows you to draw on funding secured against approved invoices, while in factoring you can sell invoices to your financier.

Medium-term finance

• Term loans have a fixed or variable interest rate and mature over a one- to seven-year period. They are typically used to buy fixed assets such as property or machinery or other purchases of a capital nature. 

• Asset finance and leasing options allow businesses to spread the ownership associated with buying assets. When you buy assets through leasing finance, the leasing bank buys the equipment for you to use, in exchange for regular payments.

Long-term finance

• Commercial mortgages are provided by banks to finance the purchase of business premises. Types of mortgage available include repayment, commercial endowment or pension. You can get advice on providers of commercial mortgages from your bank's business adviser or a commercial mortgage broker.

• Fixed asset loans are loans for assets that cannot easily be turned into cash - eg property, plant or machinery. The loans can be fixed for up to ten years. With this type of loan, the asset itself is the collateral and can be repossessed if you do not maintain repayments. 

For more information see bank finance.

Watch this video tutorial which outlines the common sources of funding for businesses, including bank finance, equity finance and government grants.

Equity finance is a way of raising capital from external investors in return for handing over a share of your business.

Sources of equity finance for smaller private businesses include:

• Venture capitalists - a type of private equity business.
• Business angels - private individuals with experience of being entrepreneurs themselves.
• Crowdfunding - a number of people each invest, lend or contribute small amounts of money to your business or idea.
• Stock market - selling a percentage of your business in the form of shares, which are subsequently traded on the stock market.
• Shares and shareholders - shares represent ownership of a company. Individuals buy shares in your company and become one of its owners.

Is equity finance right for your business?

Different forms of equity finance suit different business situations.

It is likely to be most suitable where:

• the nature of a project does not suit bank loans or other forms of debt finance
• the business will not have enough cash to pay loan interest because it is needed for core activities or funding growth

Questions to ask yourself include:

• Are you prepared to give up a share in your business and some control? Investors expect to monitor progress and many seek involvement in significant decisions.
• Are you and your key people confident in the business' product/service? Does it have a unique selling point that singles it out?
• Do you have the drive to grow the business?
• What industry experience and knowledge does your management team have? Is there a variety of skills?

For more information see equity finance.

Watch this video tutorial which outlines the common sources of funding for businesses, including bank finance, equity finance and government grants.

Crowdfunding is where a number of people each invest, lend or contribute small amounts of money to your business or idea. This money is combined to help you reach your funding goal. Each individual that backs your idea will usually receive rewards or financial gain in return.

There are different crowdfunding options to choose from. Each type has different benefits for businesses and investors. You will need to consider which one is right for your business, project or venture:

• Reward crowdfunding - investors to contribute to your venture in return for non-financial benefits.
• Debt crowdfunding -  investors fund your project in exchange for financial interest on their investment.
• Equity crowdfunding - people invest money in return for shares, or a small stake in your business, project or venture.
• Donation crowdfunding - designed for charities, this type of crowdfunding enables people to donate to a project.

Investors using crowdfunding will often look for:

• evidence of a tested idea that has the potential for future growth and development
• an idea belonging to a high growth sector (eg technology), or an industry that the funder has a personal interest in
• a niche idea that has an established audience in the marketplace

Crowdfunding usually takes place through a website. The platform will manage any online payments, and may often offer services such a video hosting, social networking, and enabling contact with contributors. 

There are many crowdfunding platforms, each with different funding models and requirements. It's important to research and choose one that's best for your business, project or venture - see crowdfunding websites.

For more information see crowdfunding.

Watch this video tutorial which outlines the common sources of funding for businesses, including bank finance, equity finance and government grants.

Venture capital (VC) funding is a form of private equity investment, where a business obtains long-term funding in exchange for a share of its equity.

VC funding is mainly sought by start-ups or new businesses with high growth potential. Companies can also use it to expand, fund management buy-outs or buy-ins, or develop new products.

Private equity (PE) funding is a general term for investments in private companies - usually financed from a fund set up by big institutional investment firms.

Venture capital (VC) companies draw on private equity funds to invest in new businesses with high growth potential, eg technology start-ups. In exchange, they take part of the business' ownership, making a profit when they sell their stake and exit the company.

VC investment criteria

VC's typically invest in businesses with:

• a minimum investment need of around £2 million, though smaller regional VC organisations may invest from £250,000
• an ambitious but realistic business plan
• a product or service that offers a unique selling point or other competitive advantage
• a large earning potential and a high return on investment within a specific timeframe, eg five years
• sound management expertise - although VCs tend not to get involved in the day-to-day running of the business, they often help with a business' strategy

Before you approach a venture capital (VC) business, you should research what sort of private equity (PE) funding would be best for your business needs. Different types of investment, for example, seed funding, product development and succession funding, are suitable for different stages of business development.

When choosing a VC fund, look for:

• funds targeting your business sector
• investment criteria
• quality of advice and support provided by investors
• amount of finance - some PE firms specialise in investments below £100,000
• geographical location of PE investors and how near they are to your company

For further information see venture capital.

Watch this video tutorial which outlines the common sources of funding for businesses, including bank finance, equity finance and government grants.

A grant is a sum of money given to an individual or business for a specific project or purpose.

A grant usually covers only part of the total costs involved. However, as long as you keep to any conditions attached to the grant, you will not have to repay it or give up shares in your business.

Grants to help with business development are available from a variety of sources, such as the government, local councils and some charitable organisations.  These grants may be linked to business activity, geographical areas or a specific industry sector.

The government provides support to businesses both financially, in the form of grants, and through access to expert advice, information and services. 

There will be strong competition and the eligibility criteria for grants can be strict. Criteria vary but are likely to include the location, size and industry sector of the business - see grant eligibility.

There are also strict terms and conditions that apply to all grants. If these aren't followed, immediate repayment of the grant can be required. However, generally you do not have to repay grants or interest on them unless you break the conditions.

Currently, the main groups that award grants are:

• the UK government
• Northern Ireland government
• local councils - see find your local council in Northern Ireland

For more information, search the Northern Ireland business support finder.

Read about Invest NI support for business.

Watch this video tutorial which outlines the common sources of funding for businesses, including bank finance, equity finance and government grants.

It's common for owners of small and start-up businesses to look to relatives and friends for support when they need additional business funding.

This can work well, but often these arrangements are informal and based purely on trust and verbal assurances. Any confusion about the agreement could damage personal relationships, so it is important that both parties are clear about what any investment will involve.

Before you approach a friend or relative for funds to support your business, be clear about what your requirements are:

Loan

If your business needs immediate and relatively short-term funds, a loan may be most appropriate. Decide whether you can afford to pay interest, or whether you are seeking an interest-free loan. If you do pay interest there will be tax implications for both you and the lender.

Investment

If the business needs longer term or permanent funding, you may want to consider giving your investor a share in the business. If you choose this option, think about whether you need an active partner or shareholder.

Advantages and disadvantages of raising finance from friends or family

There are clear benefits to approaching family or friends, rather than conventional sources of funding, for a loan or investment.

Generally, they will be flexible. On a practical level, they may offer loans without security or accept less security than banks. They may also lend funds interest-free or at a low rate.

However, transactions of this nature can be complex. Any misunderstandings about the arrangement can damage relationships.

It's a good idea to approach friends and family in the same way you would a formal lender:

• Be clear about your own expectations - specify how long you need the money for.
• Detail the repayment level you can afford.
• Spell out how many shares or what profit the investor will receive - and when any returns will be paid.
• Clarify whether an investor will have any financial liabilities for your business activity.
• Draw up a formal written agreement.

For more information see financing from friends and family.

Watch this video tutorial which outlines the common sources of funding for businesses, including bank finance, equity finance and government grants.

Several types of bank finance are available, with different packages to suit your needs as your business requirements change.

Short-term finance

• Overdrafts are used with business bank accounts and are a flexible source of working capital for short-term needs. 

• Bridging finance is provided by the bank to businesses to maintain cashflow while awaiting funds from grant cheques, drawdown of commercial mortgages or loan agreements, or other confirmed sources of future income.
   
• Invoice finance includes factoring and invoice discounting. It offers ways to access working capital by unlocking the value of invoices. Interest rates and charges apply on the cash advanced.  Invoice discounting allows you to draw on funding secured against approved invoices, while in factoring you can sell invoices to your financier.

Medium-term finance

• Term loans have a fixed or variable interest rate and mature over a one- to seven-year period. They are typically used to buy fixed assets such as property or machinery or other purchases of a capital nature. 

• Asset finance and leasing options allow businesses to spread the ownership associated with buying assets. When you buy assets through leasing finance, the leasing bank buys the equipment for you to use, in exchange for regular payments.

Long-term finance

• Commercial mortgages are provided by banks to finance the purchase of business premises. Types of mortgage available include repayment, commercial endowment or pension. You can get advice on providers of commercial mortgages from your bank's business adviser or a commercial mortgage broker.

• Fixed asset loans are loans for assets that cannot easily be turned into cash - eg property, plant or machinery. The loans can be fixed for up to ten years. With this type of loan, the asset itself is the collateral and can be repossessed if you do not maintain repayments. 

For more information see bank finance.

Watch this video tutorial which outlines the common sources of funding for businesses, including bank finance, equity finance and government grants.

Equity finance is a way of raising capital from external investors in return for handing over a share of your business.

Sources of equity finance for smaller private businesses include:

• Venture capitalists - a type of private equity business.
• Business angels - private individuals with experience of being entrepreneurs themselves.
• Crowdfunding - a number of people each invest, lend or contribute small amounts of money to your business or idea.
• Stock market - selling a percentage of your business in the form of shares, which are subsequently traded on the stock market.
• Shares and shareholders - shares represent ownership of a company. Individuals buy shares in your company and become one of its owners.

Is equity finance right for your business?

Different forms of equity finance suit different business situations.

It is likely to be most suitable where:

• the nature of a project does not suit bank loans or other forms of debt finance
• the business will not have enough cash to pay loan interest because it is needed for core activities or funding growth

Questions to ask yourself include:

• Are you prepared to give up a share in your business and some control? Investors expect to monitor progress and many seek involvement in significant decisions.
• Are you and your key people confident in the business' product/service? Does it have a unique selling point that singles it out?
• Do you have the drive to grow the business?
• What industry experience and knowledge does your management team have? Is there a variety of skills?

For more information see equity finance.

Watch this video tutorial which outlines the common sources of funding for businesses, including bank finance, equity finance and government grants.

Crowdfunding is where a number of people each invest, lend or contribute small amounts of money to your business or idea. This money is combined to help you reach your funding goal. Each individual that backs your idea will usually receive rewards or financial gain in return.

There are different crowdfunding options to choose from. Each type has different benefits for businesses and investors. You will need to consider which one is right for your business, project or venture:

• Reward crowdfunding - investors to contribute to your venture in return for non-financial benefits.
• Debt crowdfunding -  investors fund your project in exchange for financial interest on their investment.
• Equity crowdfunding - people invest money in return for shares, or a small stake in your business, project or venture.
• Donation crowdfunding - designed for charities, this type of crowdfunding enables people to donate to a project.

Investors using crowdfunding will often look for:

• evidence of a tested idea that has the potential for future growth and development
• an idea belonging to a high growth sector (eg technology), or an industry that the funder has a personal interest in
• a niche idea that has an established audience in the marketplace

Crowdfunding usually takes place through a website. The platform will manage any online payments, and may often offer services such a video hosting, social networking, and enabling contact with contributors. 

There are many crowdfunding platforms, each with different funding models and requirements. It's important to research and choose one that's best for your business, project or venture - see crowdfunding websites.

For more information see crowdfunding.

Watch this video tutorial which outlines the common sources of funding for businesses, including bank finance, equity finance and government grants.

Venture capital (VC) funding is a form of private equity investment, where a business obtains long-term funding in exchange for a share of its equity.

VC funding is mainly sought by start-ups or new businesses with high growth potential. Companies can also use it to expand, fund management buy-outs or buy-ins, or develop new products.

Private equity (PE) funding is a general term for investments in private companies - usually financed from a fund set up by big institutional investment firms.

Venture capital (VC) companies draw on private equity funds to invest in new businesses with high growth potential, eg technology start-ups. In exchange, they take part of the business' ownership, making a profit when they sell their stake and exit the company.

VC investment criteria

VC's typically invest in businesses with:

• a minimum investment need of around £2 million, though smaller regional VC organisations may invest from £250,000
• an ambitious but realistic business plan
• a product or service that offers a unique selling point or other competitive advantage
• a large earning potential and a high return on investment within a specific timeframe, eg five years
• sound management expertise - although VCs tend not to get involved in the day-to-day running of the business, they often help with a business' strategy

Before you approach a venture capital (VC) business, you should research what sort of private equity (PE) funding would be best for your business needs. Different types of investment, for example, seed funding, product development and succession funding, are suitable for different stages of business development.

When choosing a VC fund, look for:

• funds targeting your business sector
• investment criteria
• quality of advice and support provided by investors
• amount of finance - some PE firms specialise in investments below £100,000
• geographical location of PE investors and how near they are to your company

For further information see venture capital.

Watch this video tutorial which outlines the common sources of funding for businesses, including bank finance, equity finance and government grants.

A grant is a sum of money given to an individual or business for a specific project or purpose.

A grant usually covers only part of the total costs involved. However, as long as you keep to any conditions attached to the grant, you will not have to repay it or give up shares in your business.

Grants to help with business development are available from a variety of sources, such as the government, local councils and some charitable organisations.  These grants may be linked to business activity, geographical areas or a specific industry sector.

The government provides support to businesses both financially, in the form of grants, and through access to expert advice, information and services. 

There will be strong competition and the eligibility criteria for grants can be strict. Criteria vary but are likely to include the location, size and industry sector of the business - see grant eligibility.

There are also strict terms and conditions that apply to all grants. If these aren't followed, immediate repayment of the grant can be required. However, generally you do not have to repay grants or interest on them unless you break the conditions.

Currently, the main groups that award grants are:

• the UK government
• Northern Ireland government
• local councils - see find your local council in Northern Ireland

For more information, search the Northern Ireland business support finder.

Read about Invest NI support for business.

Watch this video tutorial which outlines the common sources of funding for businesses, including bank finance, equity finance and government grants.

It's common for owners of small and start-up businesses to look to relatives and friends for support when they need additional business funding.

This can work well, but often these arrangements are informal and based purely on trust and verbal assurances. Any confusion about the agreement could damage personal relationships, so it is important that both parties are clear about what any investment will involve.

Before you approach a friend or relative for funds to support your business, be clear about what your requirements are:

Loan

If your business needs immediate and relatively short-term funds, a loan may be most appropriate. Decide whether you can afford to pay interest, or whether you are seeking an interest-free loan. If you do pay interest there will be tax implications for both you and the lender.

Investment

If the business needs longer term or permanent funding, you may want to consider giving your investor a share in the business. If you choose this option, think about whether you need an active partner or shareholder.

Advantages and disadvantages of raising finance from friends or family

There are clear benefits to approaching family or friends, rather than conventional sources of funding, for a loan or investment.

Generally, they will be flexible. On a practical level, they may offer loans without security or accept less security than banks. They may also lend funds interest-free or at a low rate.

However, transactions of this nature can be complex. Any misunderstandings about the arrangement can damage relationships.

It's a good idea to approach friends and family in the same way you would a formal lender:

• Be clear about your own expectations - specify how long you need the money for.
• Detail the repayment level you can afford.
• Spell out how many shares or what profit the investor will receive - and when any returns will be paid.
• Clarify whether an investor will have any financial liabilities for your business activity.
• Draw up a formal written agreement.

For more information see financing from friends and family.

Watch this video tutorial which outlines the common sources of funding for businesses, including bank finance, equity finance and government grants.