Alternative business funding – what are the options?
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Raising finance for your business' operation isn’t always about striking up a conversation with a bank. While a mainstream finance provider, like a high street bank, is ideal for covering the cash flow of larger businesses, smaller businesses are increasingly looking towards a different way of securing capital – alternative business funding.
The past few years has seen swathes of alternative finance options become available, helping small businesses fund their operations faster than most banks can – often with less hassle. As each small business has different needs, from cash flow to equipment and refurbishment to purchased goods, it’s important to identify which type of funding could help yours. Below, we explore the world of alternative business funding and what it could mean for your business.
What is alternative business funding?
Alternative business funding, or alternative finance, is any type of funding for a business that isn’t sourced from a ‘mainstream’ provider, such as a bank. It's particularly useful for small to medium enterprises, as it doesn’t follow the same — and, often, frustrating — conventional frameworks as most high-street banks. Alternative lenders can therefore prove to be more efficient and quicker at providing funding through their various approaches.
Online lenders — such as iwoca — are designed to help independent traders and small businesses manage their cash flows and cover the purchase of larger investments. Your local coffee spot, bike repair shop and plumber can all benefit from alternative small business loans.
Quick fire facts about alternative business funding
It’s quicker than most bank loans
On average, high-street banks can take up to five weeks to make a decision on whether to provide a loan to a small business. When it comes to securing the cash, it can take up to three months. Online alternative funding is usually considerably quicker, and consider smaller businesses as a priority. Many offer fast credit facilities and even a same-day service.
Anyone can apply
Alternative business funding providers help support all manner of enterprises — from plumbers to mixologists and restaurants to retailers — who want to make their business work. You usally need to have a UK-based business and operate as a sole-trader, limited company or partnership.
It might not matter if you have a below than average credit rating
Those with complicated credit histories are still eligible to be considered for most alternative funding methods and, depending on the circumstances, can still use the available tools and expertise on offer. If you have received a CCJ or have a history of missed repayments, it’s still worth applying for alternative funds.
Business can choose how much to pay back and how often
No business runs like clockwork — there are busy periods, and there are quiet periods. Some alternative finance providers offer flexible repayments, giving customers the option to pay back less during quieter times of the year and make larger payments when things are going well. Similarly, businesses can ‘top-up’ their loan amount to bridge cash flow gaps or make further investments.
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What other financing options are available?
Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding is an increasingly popular way to raise money directly from the public and other small-scale investors. Those looking to gain alternative funds from crowdfunding platforms will need to provide a pitch, a business plan and cohesive points about why people should invest. The most popular names in the space include using Crowdcube, Crowdrise and Crowdfunder. Each has a slightly different model, so look into whether the loans are equity-backed or reward-based.
One of the benefits of crowdfunding is being able to test potential business opportunities and ideas with a following or potential customers, as well as encouraging smaller investments and gaining feedback as the investment window progresses. Find out more about crowdfunding in our useful guide.
Small business grants
Numerous small business grant and loan schemes offer alternative lending options to growing businesses. Many are government-backed. Generally, such schemes offer alternative funding at interest rates that are lower than high street banks and can provide support and mentoring opportunities from regional partners. Examples include Start Up Loans, Virgin StartUp and Startup Direct.
Government-related grants – such as Technology Strategy Board and Department of Energy and Climate Change — can be cost-efficient options, as they don’t dilute equity and, even if your grant is rejected, can provide up to 90% of funding.
P2P lending
P2P lending — or peer-to-peer lending — is a method of business funding that’s gaining popularity quickly. The lending model is based on connecting people who want to invest, with businesses seeking finance. Again, the specifics vary from platform to platform, but the basic premise is for the investors to receive their money back with added interest, and the borrowers to gain access to quick and easy funds, at a lower rate than traditional lenders charge. Platforms like Zopa, Funding Circle, Prosper and RateSetter are the established names in the space.
Example
This flow chart shows the movement of funds from individual lenders, through a P2P platform and to the borrowing business, as well as tracking the repayment of funds.
Business ‘angels’
Your business may want to consider gaining alternative funds from so-called investment ‘angels’. These are individuals with large funds readily available and eager to back projects in-line with their personal goals – such as property regeneration, community projects or simply a profitable business venture. Your business pitch will need to be watertight when it comes to gaining an individual’s interest, and savvy investors will want to see how they'll make a return on their speculation. Angel Investment Network and Angels Den are a good place to start, as is attending business angel networking events.
Community funding
Designed to help empower SMEs by harnessing the power of tight-knit local communities, community funding has the power to use social networks and community circles to help a local business take off. Social enterprises — such as female entrepreneurs, sustainable endeavours and companies supporting minorities — can benefit from community funding the most, as well as those looking to improve a local area or provide a service that’s been missing.
iwoca Flexi-Loan
Borrow up to £500,000 for 24 months to grow your business, with our Flexi-Loan. There's no early repayment fees, so you can repay in less than 24 months to save on interest. Apply today and you could get a decision in one working day.
What to do next
Naturally, each start-up is vastly different to the next. Use use the tools we’ve listed above to help identify what avenue of alternative funding could work for your growing business. With more flexibility and less complicated criteria, it could be the crucial difference that makes your business take flight.
More to read on business funding options
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