Business Finance
Whether you're looking to start-up, develop or grow your business, there is a range of support available.
Free business advice service for the Harrogate district - Harrogate Borough Council has recently launched a free business support service offering one-to-one appointments with an experienced business adviser. The adviser can offer help and expertise on a whole host of issues including possible sources of finance.
Provided as an extension of the Enterprise Gateway at Harrogate College, this free service is available to any resident in the Harrogate district thinking of starting a new business and to new businesses in the district that have been trading for up to three years.
Some possible sources of finance are listed below.
GOVERNMENT FUNDED BUSINESS SUPPORT:
Find out about 'Solutions for Business', the portfolio of streamlined government-funded business support available on England.
Enterprise Allowance - claimants must be a minimum of 18 years old and unemployed for 6 months and above. Administered via local JobCentres, the Enterprise Allowance is relevant to those who are interested in starting a business. Successful applicants will be supported in developing their business proposal and moving from out of work benefits to the Enterprise Allowance and eligibility for a loan of up to £1,000. Further information is available from the national Business Link website at
www.businesslink.gov.uk
NAMTEC - offer 50% funding for Engineering companies to undertake research and development projects, typically with a value of £5k to £10k. Open to Yorkshire and Humber businesses within the engineering sector (excluding electronics, software and food). To find out more email
Graham.small@namtec.co.uk
Technology Strategy Board - currently run a scheme known as 'Smart' which offers funding to small and medium-sized enterprises to engage in Research and Development projects in the areas of science, engineering and technology. There are three levels of grant, namely for 'proof of market', 'proof of concept' and 'development of prototype'. Visit
www.innovateuk.org to find out more.
CO2Sense - SME's located in Yorkshire can apply for an 'Environment Voucher' which can provide a free 2 day environmental review and a grant of up to £8,000 towards new equipment that will help your business cut costs and carbon emissions. The grant can be put towards water, waste and energy saving equipment, or more efficient machinery. To find out more visit
www.CO2Sense.co.uk
ACCESS TO FINANCE - ORGANISATIONS WHO CAN HELP:
Finance Yorkshire - invests in businesses based or moving to areas within Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire. Finance Yorkshire can provide seedcorn, loan and equity linked investments ranging from £15,000 to £2million, specifically to help small and medium sized businesses meet the gaps in the market for the funding they need for growth and development.
Yorkshire Association of Business Angels (YABA) - this is a regional forum which brings together the finance and expertise of business angels with entrepreneurs and their business ideas. The Association regularly holds Investment Forums at various venues throughout Yorkshire & Humberside to see entrepreneurs introduce their ideas to an audience of business angel members, associate members and business leaders in the region.
Venturelab - Venturelab is a concept in start-up investment, mentorship and business support, for individuals with a great start-up idea or an existing company looking for practical support.
WHERE TO FIND OUT MORE:
See our Sources of Advice and Support page to find the contact details of the various organisations that you can contact to get help to find the relevant sources of funding and support for your business.