Making business finance work for you

We know that understanding the many different types of financial product in the marketplace and how they can support your business can be difficult.

Our Making business finance work for you guide is designed to help you make an informed choice about accessing the right type of finance for your business.

In this guide we’ve highlighted the seven most common challenges your business might face, and the types of finance that could help you meet them.

If you need the guide in an accessible format please download one of our Accessible PDF (2MB) , Large Print (PDF, 3MB) , Braille (ZIP 14KB), or Audio Described (ZIP, 38MB) versions.

Starting a business

Starting a new business often requires capital – money that is used to help research your business idea, create a prototype product, or purchase equipment or machinery that your new business will use.

Learn more about starting a business

Research and Development

Research and Development (R&D) is when a business develops innovative products, services, or processes.

Learn more about research and development

Importing and exporting goods and services

Businesses selling goods or services overseas face risks when it comes to cash flow and receiving payment from buyers.

Learn more about starting a business

Protecting cash flow and working capital

Cash flow can be unpredictable for small companies. Unforeseen costs, seasonal fluctuations, and wider economic challenges can all impact business growth.

Learn more about protecting cash flow and working capital

Debt consolidation

If you have multiple loans or lines of credit, you may decide to consolidate the debts into a single, more manageable loan.

Learn more about debt consolidation

Purchasing a major asset

If a small business is looking to acquire another business or invest in a large asset, such as specialist plant or machinery, an injection of capital may be required.

Learn more about purchasing a major asset

Scaling and growing a business

Whether it’s opening a new location, expanding product lines, or increasing production capacity, growth requires capital.

Learn more about scaling and growing a business