Looking for Funding?
How We Can Help
EE can help you to obtain funds to finance your engineering development by using our knowledge and contacts to guide you through the funding maze. Please contact us if you require help.
Below is a brief introduction to alternative ways of obtaining external funds that you may find useful. The focus is on SMEs and entrepreneurs based in the South East, more detailed information can be obtained by following the relevant links.
Sources of Funding
In general companies and entrepreneurs have access to three alternative sources of funding:
- Grants - These often appear to be the most attractive as in general there is no dilution of equity or an increase in debt. However, Grants can have some commercial disadvantages.
- Loans - These can be attractive as again, they do not lead to a loss of ownership or equity. Although, entrepreneurs and start-ups may have difficulty if the loan is viewed as "risk capital".
- External or Venture Capital - This can range from investment from friends and family to formal investment by Venture Capital Funds in exchange for some ownership or equity. The latter is normally restricted to companies and start-ups with high "growth" potential
More information on the sources of finance and which sources are most suitable for your company can be found through:
- Business Link
- Business Link for London
- Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
- DTI Small Business Service
- London's Economic Development Agency
- East London Small Business Centre
- www.j4b.co.uk - Guidance on Sources of Funding
- www.smallbusiness.co.uk - Information and Links for SMEs
- www.startups.co.uk - Information Relevant to Start-Ups
