Business grants

A wide range of businesses have chosen to base themselves in Reading, from global HQs to smaller start-ups. Whatever your business' size or sector, there may be times when you need financial advice, strategic support or vital funding. Here are some organisations which can support with business grants for Reading businesses. 

The British Business Bank is 100% Government owned, but independently managed. It brings expertise and Government money to the smaller business finance markets. It won’t lend or invest directly - instead, it works with over 130 partners such as banks, leasing companies, venture capital funds and web-based platforms, offering Start Up, Scale Up and Stay Ahead loans. Businesses can apply for finance through a variety of partners who, because they work with the Business Bank, can lend and invest more, especially to younger and faster growing companies. The programmes are designed to bring benefits to smaller businesses that are start-ups, high growth, or simply viable but underfunded. The organisation has two commercial subsidiaries, British Business Investments Ltd and British Patient Capital Ltd, which make commercial investments into providers of finance to smaller business in the UK.

A leading global small business loans platform, Funding Circle is one of the best-capitalised lending platforms in the world and listed on the London Stock Exchange in October 2018. Backers collectively manage over $5 trillion and are the leading firms behind Facebook, Twitter, Skype and Betfair. When Funding Circle was created, its founders could see that businesses weren’t being given the finance to grow, while investors were making poor returns. They had a simple idea — let them support each other. By lending directly to businesses through Funding Circle, investors can now earn attractive returns to better provide for their future. Businesses get fast, easy access to funding to grow, create jobs, support local communities and drive the economy forward.

The FSE Group (Funding Scale Up Enterprises) provides tailored funding solutions and supports ambitious and innovative small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to help them achieve their maximum potential. This includes the provision of fund management services and the management of business angel networks. An independent, not-for-profit Community Interest Company whose surpluses are reinvested in the business, it also has a number of subsidiary companies to deliver its funds and services, which are collectively referred to as The FSE Group. All regulated activities are delivered through FSE Fund Managers Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The FSE Group's approach is to work closely with clients, to understand their business and their funding requirements. Whether working with early stage companies to prepare them for investment, sourcing and providing finance from funds under management or via a business angel network, or assisting with business development through training and other support, FSE offers a broad range of expertise to SMEs wanting to grow.

Reading Borough Council also supports local businesses with a range of business services, from licensing to business rates. See our Council Services section for more information on support offered via the Council.