Types of funding help
- Finding and writing grant applications.
- Preparing loan applications and finding lenders.
- Investor readiness: business plans, financial models and data rooms.
- Pitch decks and pitch coaching.
- Introductions to angels, funds or crowdfunding platforms.
Official funding starting points
- UK: Innovate UK and the British Business Bank.
- US: the Small Business Administration (SBA) and SBIR/STTR research programmes.
- EU: Horizon Europe and the European Innovation Council, plus national and regional schemes.
Check how advisers are regulated and paid
- In many countries, arranging investments or giving investment advice is regulated: for example by the FCA in the UK, and by the SEC and FINRA (broker-dealer rules) in the US. Ask how the adviser is authorised for the work they’ll do.
- Understand the fee: fixed fee, retainer or success fee. Be cautious of large upfront fees with no clear deliverables.
- Make sure grant writers know the specific programme’s rules and deadlines.
What affects the cost
The type and size of funding, how much preparation your business needs, and the fee model. Grant writing and investor-readiness work are often fixed fees; brokers and placement agents may charge success fees where permitted.
Last updated: 16 October 2026
