A bank loan isn’t the only way to fund growth, and for some businesses it isn’t even the best one. Before you approach a lender, it’s worth working out exactly how much you need and why — that figure shapes every option below.
Find the cash already inside your business
- Shorten your cash cycle — invoice immediately, offer a small discount for early payment, and tighten credit terms.
- Convert excess stock or underused equipment into cash rather than letting it sit idle.
- Revisit supplier terms — a better payment schedule can free up working capital without borrowing a dollar.
Bringing in an investor
Angel investors are typically experienced operators or industry contacts who back businesses they understand, often at an earlier stage than a bank would consider. Venture capital moves at a different scale — larger sums, aimed at businesses that can show fast, consistent growth, with returns realised mainly when the company is eventually sold.
Government support
Grants, wage subsidies and loan guarantees exist precisely because governments want small businesses to succeed — it’s always worth checking what’s currently available before ruling it out.
Whichever path looks most promising, talk it through with us first. We can help you work out what you genuinely need, how the numbers will look under each option, and which one actually suits how your business operates.