Skip to content

How SMEs Can Secure the Right Finance for Growth

""

Many small businesses struggle to secure the right kind of finance at the right time. At our firm, we specialise in helping these businesses navigate the complexities of raising funding. Through personalised mentorship, we guide them in identifying how much finance they need and when they need it. In doing so, we enable them to build a clear financial plan that outlines their funding journey, making sure they’re well-prepared to secure the funds necessary for their growth.

Importance of Financial Planning for Funding

One of the most crucial yet overlooked steps in raising finance is creating a detailed financial plan. Many businesses, especially small ones, often neglect this aspect, which can make or break their chances of securing funding. We work closely with companies to ensure their financial plan is thorough. This includes helping them forecast expenses, map out their funding needs, and present a clear request to potential investors or grant agencies.

A robust financial plan provides clarity about cost components and timelines. It enables companies to confidently approach potential funders with well-defined figures. Getting this right can be the difference between securing finance or missing out on valuable funding opportunities.

Finance Options Based on Business Readiness

The type of finance most suited to a business often depends on its Technology Readiness Level (TRL). For companies in the early stages of development, grants are often the best option. We help these businesses identify suitable grants and provide guidance throughout the application process. This includes crafting a solid business plan, creating a risk register, and framing a technical plan that aligns with the grant’s requirements.

For more advanced businesses with a higher TRL, equity finance or loans may be more appropriate. In these cases, we help companies prepare all the necessary documents for raising equity. This includes developing a strong pitch deck, creating a data room with all relevant documents, and crafting a financial model that stands up to investor scrutiny.

Mentorship in Finding Investors

Securing equity finance involves more than just preparing the right documents. Finding the right investors is key, and this is where our mentorship proves invaluable. We assist businesses in accessing paid investor databases and guide them in creating a plan to target the right investors for their business.

We’ve helped many companies raise equity finance by not only preparing them for the fundraising process but also serving as a sounding board as they engage with investors. Our support helps businesses refine their pitch and negotiate confidently, ensuring they are well-positioned to close deals.

Success Stories in Securing Finance

Our expertise in securing finance for small businesses has led to numerous success stories. Recently, we supported a synthetic biology company in raising $2.34 million in equity finance from a consortium of investors. From the initial pitch deck to final negotiations, we were there every step of the way, helping the business fine-tune its approach.

Another example of our success comes from an AI company we assisted in securing $8 million in funding from US-based investors. Additionally, we helped a sustainable farming business raise £2 million in equity finance. These examples show the range of industries we work with and the scale of the finance we help businesses secure.

Helping Businesses Access the Right Finance

Raising finance is a critical challenge for small businesses, but with the right guidance, it’s possible to secure the funds needed to grow and thrive. Whether a company is in the early stages seeking grants or further along and pursuing equity finance, our mentorship helps businesses navigate the complexities of fundraising. By understanding their financial needs, preparing robust documents, and targeting the right investors, businesses can successfully raise the finance they need for their next phase of growth.