YNY Equity Hub: Are you investor ready?

Preparing for investment means understanding what questions to ask investors, and the routes to getting finance for your business.

There’s a lot to think about on the road to investment.

You need to understand what investors are seeking when they invest, and what makes a business eligible for the finance they provide. And it helps to know how much money you should be asking for, rather than settling on an arbitrary number.

Give your business the very best chance of success by reading the checklists, articles and success stories mentioned below. We also explain what should be in place throughout the journey to investment, so you can plan ahead.

Get investor ready

These two webinars, organised to support those applying for North Yorkshire Council’s Small Business Grant, look at how to write a Business Plan and Cashflow Forecast.

Writing a Business Plan: All good businesses start with a good idea. And turning that idea into a business requires a plan. Even if you don’t need to apply for funding, it is still important to write up a business plan.

Writing a Cashflow Forecast: Predicting your revenue forecast and expenses when starting a business is one of the most important, yet neglected, areas of business planning. Many consider that if you have no basis of being accurate, what is the point in being theoretical?

Writing a Business Plan & Cash Flow Forecast

Delivered by Jo Tomlinson of Business Works UK, these resources provide a guide to key subjects such as bookkeeping, pricing, VAT, company structure, and the responsibilities associated with owning a business.

For each of the subject, we have a webinar recording and companion blog available.

Business Basics Series

When investors put money into your business, they’re looking for a financial return on their investment.

Understandably it can be tempting for businesses to focus just on the money. And whilst a strong set of financial projections is essential, there are other ways to prove value to your investors – and to give yourself the very best chance of success.

The British Business Bank have compiled their top tips for catching your investor’s attention and showing that you understand there’s more to investment than just money.

7 ways to prove value to investors

One of the most important things a business owner should know, is “their numbers”.

Do you know how well your business is performing and in which areas?

Do you know who you owe and who owes you?

Can you afford to make upcoming payments and meet your financial obligations?

Financial Management: Do you know your numbers?

This series of online workshops shows how embracing purpose-driven practices can help your business thrive.

Each session is designed to provide practical insights and actionable takeaways whether you’re looking to strengthen your procurement strategy, enhance your marketing, or boost employee engagement.

Making Values Pay

Curious if equity investment is the right fit for your business?

Equity financing is when you raise money by selling shares in your business, either to your existing shareholders or to a new investor.

This doesn’t mean you must surrender control of your business, as your investor can take a minority stake.

Common equity finance products include angel investment, venture capital, and private equity.

Read on to learn more about the different types of equity financing.

Equity Financing: what it is, how it works, and where to find it