There are many organisations in addition to your bank that can provide finance to grow your business. We have listed below a number of the web sites offering access to finance either through a portal or direct to an individual site.

Advantage Business Angels is one of the leading companies in the field for bringing together those new and growing companies looking for investment with those wishing to invest.

Business Linkages Challenge Fund - businesses forming links with other businesses or international partners in developing countries may be eligible for a grant. Projects must demonstrate that the link formed will generate benefits for the poor, be sustainable and enhance the viability of participating enterprises. Projects may involve investing in skills, technology, supplies and access to markets.

Catapult provides a full range funding requirement from early stage, development capital to MBO/MBIs, specialising in providing Equity Capital for businesses requiring between £200k and £2m.

The Carbon Trust offers interest free credit to help companies make their business more efficient, but also helps with advice on lowering energy bills and cutting carbon emissions.

Fair Finance Consortium operatesthroughouttheWest Midlands and is acollaboration of 10independent not for profit financial services providers. All members provide alternative business loans and small personal loans for people who find that they are unable to secure the necessary business investment to turn their plans into reality.

GRANTfinder The Business Support Directory contains information on national and regional government programmes to help your business develop. Many of these offer financial assistance. Use either of the methods online to see what grants are available and access your business' eligibility.

Mercia Technology Seed Fund is a circa £12.8m seed fund benefitting from public and private investors. The fund specifically targets high growth, proprietory technology-backed opportunities based in the West Midlands region and will typically invest in opportunities that are post proof of concept, often pre-revenue, but with demonstrable commercial interest in the technology under development.

Grant for Business Investment (GBI)  is a discretionary scheme that provides a capital grant to businesses to support sustainable investment in England. Its aim is to help businesses expand, rationalise, modernise or diversify.

The Venture Site The Venture Site helps startup and early growth companies find funding and advice on the informal venture capital (Business Angel) market. We welcome business angel investors and entrepreneurs in all sectors of the economy. There is no minimum or maximum investment.

UK Finance Directory This is an extremely comprehensive "Directory of financially orientated Web sites listed by classification of activity.

West Midlands Access to Finance This site is designed to help small growing companies and start-ups to find the most suitable finance for them. It provides details of some of the key sources of finance and provides tips on how to apply. The site also helps you see why a business needs finance, where finance is available, which sources are appropriate for various business needs and how to ask for and get funding.