This heavily subsidised programme contributes to the provision of consultancy support in order to produce a business or investment plan. Access to Finance places significant emphasis on finance raised as a result of this intervention.

The programme assists businesses from across the capital, with particular reference to those wards and boroughs where the occurrence of disadvantage is highest, as measured by the indices of deprivation.

Your Benefits

You will receive all of the following;

• Professional advice from local business experts who have been selected to provide expert financial advice to help you raise finance to start or develop your business.
• Advice on all types and sources of finance available.
• A business plan, tailored to meet specific financial needs and requirements.
• Coaching on how to present a professional case to funders.
• A review of your business model and recommendations for improvements.

Your Journey

Application (Diagnostic) Form - The Business Expert will meet with you to complete a full finance review (diagnostic) which will result in an action plan. This is then sent to the London Development Agency (LDA) team who will log and assess your application to ensure that your business fits the criteria of the programme.

The Business Plan - The Business Expert will help you prepare your business plan, outlining the steps you need to take to become 'finance ready'. The London Development Agency (LDA) will monitor the success of your business in raising finance.

Your Contribution

The LDA makes a substantial contribution towards the total cost of the consultancy support, which means that you only pay 20-35% of the cost. This support will typically cover about five days, depending on the business requirements.

Eligibility Criteria

• Start-up businesses which have been trading for less than 18 months (0-18 months)
• Small – Medium scale Enterprises (SME) Businesses which have been trading for more than 18 months (19 months onwards)
• Businesses employing up to 249 people.
• This programme covers the whole of London.

Our Priority Sectors

• Creative and Cultural Industries
• Green and Social Economy
• Manufacturing and Design
• Biotechnology
• ICT

Sector Exclusions

• Tourism and Hospitality
• Property Development
• Wholesale (where no other activities, such as retailing are associated)

Please contact us for further information

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