Get ready to apply

Each checklist brings together what lenders, investors and schemes of one type usually ask for. The items asked for most come first. Tick what you already have to see a readiness score and what to prepare next, then download or print the list.

Your ticks stay in this browser, in the page address after the # sign, and nothing is stored. Privacy. Each route page also has its own checklist.

Check a lender or platform on its public register →

• Own cash and no-costMoney you can free up inside the business, such as getting paid faster or paying suppliers later.16 items · 5 routes
• Grants, tax credits and prizesMoney from government and other bodies that you do not pay back, including tax credits and deductions.23 items · 7 routes
• Government-backed and community lendingLoans and guarantees from the SBA, USDA and state programs, and community lenders, often for businesses that banks turn down.36 items · 15 routes
• Supplier and buyer-led financeFinance arranged through the businesses you buy from or sell to.9 items · 3 routes
• Bank and mainstream debtLoans, lines of credit, credit cards and equipment finance from banks, credit unions and other mainstream lenders.20 items · 8 routes
• Asset-based and specialist lendingBorrowing secured on specific assets such as unpaid invoices, inventory or equipment, plus specialist debt for growing companies.17 items · 8 routes
• Alternative and fast debtNewer and faster forms of borrowing, often online, usually costing more than bank lending.8 items · 5 routes
• Crowdfunding and community financeRaising money from many people at once, in return for rewards, shares, interest or nothing at all.16 items · 5 routes
• Private equity investmentSelling shares in your company to private investors, from friends and family to venture capital and private equity firms.21 items · 9 routes
• Public and quasi-public marketsRaising money by offering shares or bonds to the public, on a stock exchange or under Regulation A.18 items · 5 routes
• Hybrid instrumentsInstruments that start as one thing and may become another, such as SAFEs and convertible notes.5 items · 2 routes
• Tokens and digital assetsRaising money by creating and selling crypto assets or tokenized securities.4 items · 2 routes