23.05.2012
Small businesses and social enterprises looking for finance can now benefit from help from BUFFY – a new website which brings into one place a wide range of finance providers including business angels, regional funds, asset and lease financers, government schemes, grants and CDFIs as well as banks.
The Entrepreneur in Residence at the British Library, Stephen Fear, launched the new website www.businessfinanceforyou.co.uk [BUFFY] at an event for over 200 of Britain’s entrepreneurs. The website, developed by the British Bankers’ Association and the Better Business Finance banks with help from a number of business organisations and finance providers, makes it easier for businesses to find the finance they require and has an easy-to-use search engine which allows businesses to refine their search for finance according to five criteria.
Angela Knight, BBA chief executive, said:
“Access to finance is a critical issue for Britain’s businesses – and is an issue that is being taken seriously by the banks. There are very many sources of finance in the UK and finding out about and navigating a path through all of these can be complicated and confusing.
“That is why we have developed BusinessFinanceForYou.co.uk – to bring into one place a wide variety of finance providers and make that search easier for businesses. Sometimes bank finance is not the right thing for a business – but we want to be able to help businesses by showing them what the alternatives are. We hope this website makes finding finance easier and quicker for businesses – helping them to grow and thrive.”
Ben Hughes, cdfa chief executive, said:
“Access to finance is a key barrier to business growth. Many creditworthy businesses and social enterprises are finding they cannot access the finance they need to drive their business forwards, but community finance providers – CDFIs – can often help them. BUFFY will be a valuable resource for small businesses and social enterprises to search for what appropriate and affordable finance is available to them. CDFA are happy to have worked constructively with the British Bankers’ Association and the Better Business Finance banks to help support the development of the site.”
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