British Business Bank Investment Fund for Wales

The Investment Fund for Wales will deliver a £130 million commitment of new funding to the country.

The fund aims to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across Wales.

The Investment Fund for Wales offers a range of commercial finance options with smaller loans from £25,000 to £100,000, debt finance from £100,000 to £2 million and equity investment up to £5 million. The fund covers the whole of Wales, including rural, coastal and urban areas.

It is increasing the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for smaller businesses across Wales, providing funds to businesses that might otherwise not receive investment and helping to break down barriers in access to finance.

To apply, make an enquiry directly to the appropriate fund manager listed on the British Business Bank site, who will contact you to talk through your funding requirement, and may ask for more information before evaluating your application and making the investment decision.

Eligibility

Investments can be made in businesses that are headquartered in Wales or have a significant operating presence there.

Smaller loans: £25,000 – £100,000

Whether you are an entrepreneur wishing to start your own business, or an early stage or more established small business looking to grow you may find it difficult obtaining the finance you need. Smaller loans can be used to fill the funding gap for growth and development projects.

Debt Finance: £100,000 – £2 million

As small businesses grow, large injections of capital are often needed to move them to the next level. The Investment Fund for Wales could help smaller business owners to deliver their business ambitions, including:

• Leasing new commercial premises
• Hiring a new team
• Funding marketing costs
• Purchasing new machinery or equipment
• Launching a new product or service

Our debt finance option is designed for smaller companies that can demonstrate growth potential.

Equity Finance: up to £5 million

Equity finance is widely accepted as an important ingredient for businesses with potential for high growth.

Equity finance can be particularly important for new and innovative companies with high growth potential as it can provide long-term backing to fund business growth through to revenue and profit. In simple terms, equity finance is raising capital through the sale of shares in a business.

The Investment Fund for Wales has particular interest in supporting equity investments, helping the Nation to become a vibrant and sustainable venture capital market. An equity-based investment could be right if you run an established business with ambitious plans, or a large start up with high growth potential.