Funding Circle steps up business assistance with advisors
By AdminAt Funding Circle our passion is to help small businesses succeed and prosper, and help investors earn attractive returns. Over 5,000 businesses have now accessed finance via the marketplace
At Funding Circle our passion is to help small businesses succeed and prosper, and help investors earn attractive returns. Over 5,000 businesses have now accessed finance via the marketplace, but often this access to capital is just the beginning.
After speaking with many of our p2p participants over the last four years, we know that most businesses regularly review their management information. However time pressure can make other things such as the business strategy, competitive edge, value creation, revenue streams, marketing, financial health, staff morale and management competency, easy to overlook.
The good news is these things can be easily reviewed and improved if you know which questions to ask and some easy steps to take.
That’s why we are trialling a new and free business advisory service, for small businesses who feel they would benefit from independent professional business advice. These 60-90 minute sessions will take place with a Funding Circle account manager and an independent business advisor from a professional transformation organisation. In a recent Funding Circle survey, 92 per cent of business owners said they would be interested in this service.
Who are the advisors?
We have a panel of four advisors to choose from including Baker Tilly, BDO, FRP Advisory, and ReSolve Partners
What information would businesses need to provide?
The minimum information is the completion of a SWOT analysis, which is a structured planning framework that identifies the business’ Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. This should take about 15 minutes to fill out.
Ideally you could share the most up to date cash-flow forecast and management accounts. We can send you a generic 13 week short-term cash flow model that will help you prepare one for your business. Other information that would be useful, is a business plan, debtor ledger and a creditor ledger as these can be helpful in identifying and prioritising payment and debtor collections to improve cash flow.
Is there any obligation on me to have a meeting?
No obligation whatsoever. However, this opportunity will enable us to develop a closer relationship with you and gain a better understanding of your funding needs, which may be useful in the future.
Why are we offering this service?
We want to see borrowers become successful and make the most out of their loan. We believe that this free service can help borrowers be better at business; and help you avoid, or plan for, any difficulties that may lie ahead. Meeting you in person and seeing your business will also help us gain a better understanding of your business needs.
Natasha Jones, Funding Circle Communications Manager
Natasha Jones, Funding Circle Communications Manager
Keywords: Funding Circle, p2p, lending, businesses, advice, loans, cashflow, borrowing,