Subsidised and Guaranteed Loans

6. Where to Get Help

6.1 Business Support Organisations can help you identify loan schemes, grants and any other funding your business may qualify for

• The Business support finder on the Business Link website (www.businesslink.gov.uk) can help find support schemes including financial assistance. For example, loan schemes run by local authorities.

6.2 If necessary, get professional help

• Some accountants and consultants specialise in preparing loan applications. Check their record of obtaining loans for businesses like yours.
• Negotiate the fees.

6.3 Visit www.j4bgrants.co.uk to search an online database that can help you find out about the variety of loan schemes on offer.

6.4 Avoid loan cowboys.

• Some companies will charge you a fee to identify supported loans you may qualify for. There is no guarantee you will qualify, and exactly the same information is generally available free of charge or at a heavily subsidised rate through your local business support organisation.
• Some companies will guarantee to return your fee if they fail to arrange a supported loan for you.