Starting a business in today’s climate is tough. Many start-ups need a good initial cashflow for all manner of different purchases and overheads. The risk incurred with this level of expenditure is the main worry for new business starters.
Throughout the Outset programme, we help clients to understand that finance needn’t be something to be afraid of – just something to be carefully managed. By teaching clients how to run their finances, they are given the tools to overcome any challenges and build sustainable businesses.
In addition to our core programmes, we can deliver dedicated investment readiness support services to help people prepare for and seek new sources of growth funding, a model we have successful delivered in both Bristol and Plymouth, where we leveraged £1,200,000 (and counting) of funding for clients through an initial investment of £400,000 by our regional and European funders.
Start Up Loans
As a national delivery partner of the government’s Start Up Loans scheme, we’re also able to close the loop when it comes to helping clients (and any business owners from around the country) access finance – particularly those that might struggle to get a loan from mainstream lenders or have been rejected by the bank. In 2014 alone, Outset Finance secured almost £1 million in total Start Up Loans for businesses all over the country.
Our team works with new clients to ensure that their business plans and financial forecasts are de-risked, robust and well-written in order to increase their chances of loan approval. While other loan companies offer money-only solutions, Outset Finance will match successful Start Up Loan applicants with a suitable mentor who will help them navigate any tricky problems beyond finance. They can also attend any of their local Outset workshops or log on to Outset Online for free access to video tutorials, business calculators, hand-outs and other resources.
If a client doesn’t meet our loan criteria, they are referred to one of many partner funder organisations including Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), credit unions, high street banks and angel networks.
Visit Outset Finance for more information about Start Up Loans.
Want a more detailed look at our approach?
Watch this short video, presented by Rob Guy, Outset Finance Start Up Loans manager: