Raising Finance for your business can be difficult. Obtaining funds could be more successful with the African Caribbean Business Network (ACBN) Access to Finance Programme (A2F) which is supported by the London Development Agency.
The Access to Finance Programme is a subsidised pre-finance support service. It will help you formulate a credible funding application and could increase the likelihood of success. All businesses are expected to make a contribution towards the total cost of the support provided. This will be 20% or 35% of the overall cost which equates to £600 or £1050 depending on how long your business has been trading.
A Trained Business Adviser will assist you to set clear objectives and an action plan to prepare a Finance Ready business plan;
Advice on the different types and sources of finance;
Coaching on how to present a professional business case when asking for finance;
Assessment of skills and other areas which need to be developed to help the business succeed.
Businesses must be located in London;
You can be a start-up business that has been trading for less than 18 months (0-18 months);
An established business that has been trading for more than 18 months (19 months onwards).
Businesses in the following sectors are ineligible for support under the Access to Finance programme:
Tourism and Hospitality;
Property Development;
Wholesale (where no other activities are associated).
For information about the Access to Finance programme please contact:
Donna Lafayette - ACBN Project Manager
2 Tunstall Road
London SW9 8BN
Phone: 0207 733 9008
Email: donna.lafayette@acbn.biz
The ACBN is a business network dedicated to championing the cause of African and Caribbean owned businesses in the UK. We work constantly to improve the prospects of our members through raising the profile of BAME businesses, lobbying both government and industry. Our members comprise businesses from a diverse market background and are the first port of call for those members seeking goods and services within the network.
Two forms of membership are currently available. Standard membership is only £50, and offers even small business owners the opportunity to gain access to our network and invitations to our seminars and network events. In addition, premium members pay a small annual fee and receive a number of benefits including FREE business information from ACBN sponsors the British Library IP Centre, a consultation service from specialist business advisors. Premium members are also entitled to FREE access to any three ACBN events/seminars.
» Sign up now for ACBN membership «
