Financing

The financing channel looks at the different small business funding options available to start-up companies and established SME businesses looking to grow. Read a wealth of guides and tips to help manage your accounts and cash flow better, views on the future of business banking and where to source alternative finance.

Government grants for small businesses in Scotland

David Kelly applied for a range of grants for his pre-revenue social business platform Shareflow. He tells SmallBusiness.co.uk about them.

Government Grants

Business Loans

Majority of small businesses bootstrapped initially – with just 3 per cent achieving a bank loan

Almost three quarters of small company owners launched their new business venture with working capital of £2,000 or less, research finds.

Small Business Banking

My bank is forcing me to restructure my overdraft

My bank is forcing me to restructure my overdraft into a loan. It will be more expensive and in 4-6 months time I may not even need an overdraft. Through circumstance I have never signed a directors' guarantor for the overdraft. Can they still force me into this position?

Government Grants

How to get a government grant for business coaching

Liz Mowatt secured a government grant for business coaching for her company A Giving Tribute, which offers tribute cards for funerals.

Accounting

Can we reclaim VAT from a service provider?

As a small company in construction we are VAT-registered. Our quantity surveyor has recently become VAT-registered and therefore his invoices have increased owing to the VAT element. Can we reclaim this VAT as he is a service provider?

Financing

Businesses in the dark over some finance options

A lack of understanding of alternative forms of borrowing such as asset-based finance could be hampering UK business growth, a study suggests.

Alternative finance

How small businesses should approach venture capital

Rory Earley, CEO of Capital for Enterprise, explores how small businesses should approach venture capital.

Alternative finance

‘Dragons’ Den without the nerves’ joins crowdfunding space

New website www.pitchfor.it will offer entrepreneurs the opportunity to attract potential investors by uploading video pitches. SmallBusiness.co.uk talks to founder Peter Hart.

Alternative finance

How small businesses should approach venture capital

Rory Earley, CEO of Capital for Enterprise, explores how small businesses should approach venture capital.

Alternative finance

‘Dragons’ Den without the nerves’ joins crowdfunding space

New website www.pitchfor.it will offer entrepreneurs the opportunity to attract potential investors by uploading video pitches. SmallBusiness.co.uk talks to founder Peter Hart.

Accounting

Can I put the business in my wife’s name?

I am registered for VAT and run a shop in a partnership with my wife. We are thinking of importing goods to sell online from Germany. Can we put the online business in my wife's name so we don't have to worry about VAT until turnover exceeds £77,000?

Accounting

Accountant wrongly told me I was VAT exempt

My former accountant advised me over a period of five years that I was VAT-exempt. He was incorrect with his professional advice. My VAT bill was £53,000. Is there anything I can do about it?

Accounting