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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.

How to punch above your financial weight

A key element of business growth is having the finance available to make the most of opportunities as they arise. Maintaining a steady cash flow and securing additional funds for expansion and development are two of the biggest challenges facing smaller firms.

Alternative finance

Alternative finance

Need to know: Asset-based finance

Waiting for invoices to be paid before investing the proceeds in your business can seriously impede growth. SmallBusiness.co.uk examines how factoring and invoice discounting can speed up expansion.

Alternative finance

Factoring for fast cash solutions

Invoice finance and factoring are becoming mainstream alternatives to overdrafts, term loans, letters of credit and even private equity.

Alternative finance

Pros and cons of different business funding options

My brother and I plan to go into business on the internet selling cosmetics but we need money. What are the pros and cons of the different business funding options available?

Alternative finance

More SMEs using factoring to improve cashflow

The number of small- and medium-sized businesses using factoring to get quicker access to cash they are owed has risen noticeably over the past year, according to new research from the Factors & Discounters Association (FDA).

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