Investment Preparation
As an entrepreneur with a business idea, you face the major challenge of funding the idea until it is commercially viable. In order to succeed, many high-tech and knowledge-based businesses require external funding so it is best to understand what is available early.
Before beginning the search for funding, it is important to understand what types of funding are available and their implications for your business. Only then can work begin on the funding strategy. The investment preparation advisory service helps you start the funding process; it introduces the types of funding available and advises on business plan requirements.
How it works
The service consists of:
- An introduction to Finance South East, who are experts in small business finance including: bank and non-bank finance, venture capital, Business Angel finance and grants
- Advice clinics run at each Enterprise Hub to introduce members to the services available. These are general sessions that will be attended by several companies. In addition, there may be sessions on specific funding issues.
- Access-to-funding workshops - half-day sessions run specifically for new companies; more detailed and hands-on than the clinics. The workshops improve and sharpen the entrepreneur's grasp of the challenges involved in attracting funding.