There are various sources of financial assistance available for start up businesses. The following are available in Wolverhampton:
The Black Country Enterprise Loan Fund offers between £5,000 and £20,000 to support the development of new and existing businesses in the county. Tel: 0845 113 1234
3b manages the 3b Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI), which is a £20,000 loan available for start up and established businesses in disadvantaged areas of Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall. Tel: (0121) 523 1820
Advantage Business Angels can help to match start up businesses with capital investors. The Early Stage Business programme involves a minimum investment of £2,000, while other programmes involve investments of between £25,000 and £3 million. Tel: (0121) 456 7940
The Advantage Early Growth Fund is open to businesses in any sector in the West Midlands. It is a venture capital co-investment fund and can invest between £10,000 and £100,000 in businesses with growth potential. Tel: (0121) 311 0378
The Advantage Community Loan Fund (ACLF) provides loan finance of between £15,000 and £85,000 to community-based organisations run as not-for-profit enterprises in the West Midlands. Tel: (020) 7680 1028
The Advantage Creative Fund is a venture capital investment programme that supports creative businesses in the West Midlands (including performing arts, advertising, music, publishing and design). Eligible businesses must have growth potential and investments are typically between £50,000 and £250,000.
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