“Funding” covers very different things, and the right one depends on your stage, sector, and how much risk you want to take. Here are the main options.
Money you generally do not repay, given to support a specific aim such as jobs, innovation, net zero or regional growth. Grants are competitive and often restricted in how you can spend them, but they are the cheapest money you can get because there is nothing to pay back.
Borrowed money you repay with interest. This includes bank loans, the government-backed Start Up Loans scheme for new businesses, and specialist lenders. Loans are widely available and keep you in full control of your business, but they must be repaid regardless of how the business performs.
Selling a share of your business to an investor — such as an angel investor or a venture capital fund — in exchange for money. You do not repay it, but you give up part ownership and some control. It is best suited to high-growth businesses.
If your business spends money on qualifying research and development, you may be able to reduce your tax bill or claim a cash credit. It is not a grant you apply for in advance, but it can return a meaningful share of your innovation costs.
Some of the most valuable help is non-financial: free advice, mentoring, training, workspace, and business-support programmes run by councils and growth hubs. UK Grants Finder lists these alongside funding so you can find the right mix.