How to finance your business in the UK
Need finance for your business? Learn about the types of finance, approaching lenders and investors and more.
Download the guide to financing your business
Your intro to the different types of finance, including their pros and cons. Fill out the form to receive our finance guide as a PDF.
Now that you have your guide
Managing finances can feel overwhelming. With Xero’s powerful tools, small businesses can stay organised and confident.
Options for financing a business
There are many methods for financing your business. See how they each work and how they might fit your needs.
- What is business finance?
Learn how business finance works and find the right funding for your small business.
- How much business funding do you need?
Knowing how much money you need will help you choose the right type of finance. These tips will help you find a number.
- Debt versus equity finance
Most forms of funding fall into one of two camps. Let’s look at the main pros and cons of debt versus equity.
- Main types of finance
It takes money to make money. So what sort of finance options are there? Here are the types that fund most businesses.
- How to get a business loan
Find the right business loan and put together a strong application with this step-by-step guide.
- Peer-to-peer lending
Learn how P2P lending works for UK businesses, what the risks are, and how to apply.
- Friends and family loans
Learn how to borrow from friends and family for your business, with tips on agreements, tax, and relationships.
- Invoice financing
Turn unpaid invoices into working capital. Learn how invoice financing works and which type suits your business.
- How to find investors
Find the right investors for your business with this guide to funding types, where to look, and how to prepare.
- Angel investors versus venture capitalists
Angel investors and venture capitalists are alternative finance sources. What can they offer your business?
- How crowdfunding works
Learn how crowdfunding works, the different models, and how to launch a successful campaign for your small business.
- Small business grants
Find UK small business grants, check eligibility, and apply with confidence.
- Pitching for business funding
Learn how to pitch your business to investors and lenders with practical, step-by-step guidance.
Why Xero knows about business finance
Xero is home to millions of small businesses, who use our software to run their finances and accounting. About 250,000 accountants and bookkeepers use us too. We asked some of those owners and experts about finance, then put their insights into this guide.
Handy resources for small businesses
People who are trying to finance a business often find these resources helpful.
Guide to starting a business
Knowing where to begin when you’re starting a business isn’t easy. Check out our tips for all the steps.
Business plan template
Use our templates to help transition from a rough idea to a real-life business.
Invoice guide
Check out our tips on the art and science of invoicing to help speed up payment.
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