Are you a UK-based entrepreneur looking to explore various funding opportunities to fuel your business growth?
While Dorset Business Angels is committed to supporting innovative start-ups and early-stage businesses through our network of experienced angel investors, we also recognise the value of external funding sources available to entrepreneurs in the United Kingdom.
In addition to seeking investment from angel investor groups like ours, there are several government-backed initiatives and organisations designed to support UK businesses in their quest for funding. Two notable examples are Innovate UK and the British Business Bank.
Innovate UK is the UK's innovation agency, offering funding and support to businesses across various sectors to drive growth through innovation. They provide grants, loans, and other forms of funding to help businesses develop and commercialise innovative products, services, and processes. Innovate UK also offers valuable resources, such as networking opportunities and expert advice, to help entrepreneurs succeed.
The British Business Bank is a government-owned economic development bank dedicated to making finance markets work better for smaller businesses in the UK. They work with a wide range of partners, including banks, leasing companies, and venture capital funds, to provide funding and support to entrepreneurs. The British Business Bank offers a variety of financing options, such as start-up loans, growth finance, and enterprise capital funds, to help businesses at different stages of their journey.
As a UK entrepreneur, exploring these external funding opportunities can be a smart move to complement the investment you seek from angel investor groups. By diversifying your funding sources, you can increase your chances of securing the capital you need to grow your business and achieve your goals.
At Dorset Business Angels we encourage entrepreneurs to research and pursue all relevant funding opportunities available to them.
Here is a list of some of the funds that we are aware of:
SOUTH WEST INVESTMENT FUND (SWIF)
The South West Investment Fund will deliver a £200 million commitment of new funding to smaller businesses. The fund aims to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the South West.
The South West Investment Fund offers a range of commercial finance options with loans from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investment up to £5 million. The new fund covers the entire South West region including Bristol, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire.
South West Investment Fund
is offered by British Business Bank.
The FSE Group manage the applications for the SWIF you can access the information HERE:
INNOVATE UK
Innovate UK is the UK’s national innovation agency. They support business-led innovation in all sectors, technologies and UK regions.
They help businesses grow through the development and commercialisation of new products, processes, and services, supported by an outstanding innovation ecosystem that is agile, inclusive, and easy to navigate.
UK SHARED PROSPERITY FUND
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.
UKSPF
Click here for more details
The government has allocated £4.2 million for investment in businesses, communities and people across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole.
See more on the BCP website. Dorset Council has been allocated £6 milion via UKSPF find out more HERE.
