Where to find help for your business when you need it
The Government is taking action to help businesses through the global recession and to ensure
they emerge stronger on the other side. This sheet gives you a quick summary of what help is
available and where to find it.
Help with business finances
Visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/realhelp or speak to a Business Link adviser on
0845 600 9 006 to find the right finance for your business, including details of the Enterprise Finance Guarantee and regional loans.
Finance from your bank: you may be able to benefit from the Government’s Enterprise Finance Guarantee if you apply for a loan from your bank. This supports loans of up to £1m for firms with turnover up to £25m; you can also convert an existing overdraft into a loan to free up capital.
The Capital for Enterprise Fund provides equity investment which you can use to pay off existing debt or invest in your business. Call the Capital for Enterprise Fund Registration Helpline, 0845 459 9780.
Free guides on managing your finances are available at www.businesslink.gov.uk/realhelp; click on ‘Help with managing your cashflow’.
Need more time to pay your tax bill? Call the Business Payment Support Service on 0845 302 1435.
Debt problems? Get free, confidential and independent help to deal with business debt problems. Call Business Debtline on 0800 197 6026.
Help with managing your business Health check for your business:
Get a free review of your business with a professional business adviser for hands-on advice and help accessing the full range of government help – call the Business Link helpline, 0845 600 9 006 or visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/healthcheck. Also visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/realhelp for information on:
- Reducing waste and saving energy
- Staff restructuring and major change
- Alternatives to redundancy
Solutions for business:
visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/solutions to find out more about other products in the Government’s portfolio of business support, including help with finance, premises, and manufacturing.
