Resources
Business advice and business plans
If you are an existing small business or are thinking of starting up a business and need help with developing your business plan, the following may offer helpful advice and information:
Small Business Services
Business Link
National Federation of Enterprise agencies
Chambers of Commerce
Grants/Loans
Whilst Bridges Ventures seeks to encourage and promote entrepreneurship within the community, we do not offer grants or loans. If this type of funding is more appropriate for your business needs you may wish to contact the following organisations:
CDFA
The CDFA is the trade association for Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs) which provide loans to social enterprises and businesses in deprived areas.
Tel: 020 7430 0222
Fax: 020 7430 2112
Email: info@cdfa.org.uk
Prince's Trust
The Prince's Trust Business Programme helps people to explore and test their business ideas, write business plans and start their own businesses or achieve alternative goals in education, training or work.
Bright Ideas Trust
The Bright Ideas Trust is a registered charity which helps young people aged 16 - 30 to set up and run successful businesses.
Regional Development Agencies
These organisations can direct you to sources of funding in your region.
South West
North East
North West
Yorkshire
West Midlands
East Midlands
East of England
South East
London
Charity Funding
If you are a charity seeking funding you may wish to contact the following organisations:
Community Fund
The Community Fund distributes money raised by lottery to support charities and voluntary groups.
Charity Bank
The Charity Bank offers loans, rather than grants to charities.
Tel: 01732 520029
Fax: 01732 520123
Email: enquiries@charitybank.org
Angel investment
The British Business Angels Association will provide more information on angel investment.