New £400m investment fund launches for small businesses in the Midlands
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Posted: Thu 29th Feb 2024
The British Business Bank has unveiled the £400m Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, its latest initiative to boost access to finance to smaller businesses in regions around the UK.
The fund provides loans from £25,000 to £2m and equity investments up to £5m to small and medium-sized businesses in the Midlands. It follows on from the £300m Midlands Engine Investment Fund has supported 739 smaller businesses since its launch in 2017.
The funding is aimed at increasing the supply and diversity of early-stage finance by providing options to firms that might otherwise be unable to secure investment.
Five fund managers have been appointed to manage the fund. BCRS Business Loans and First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans manages the £25,000 to £100,000 loans, Frontier Development Capital and Maven Capital Partners are responsible for loans from £100,000 to £2m and Mercia Ventures is managing equity deals up to £5m.
Louis Taylor, CEO of British Business Bank said:
"Small businesses are at the heart of The Midlands’ economy. Since launching in 2017, the first Midlands Engine Investment Fund has so far created more than 4,000 jobs across the region by backing 739 smaller businesses.
"The first Midlands Engine Investment Fund provided a blueprint for how we can support entrepreneurs and founders, whoever they are and wherever they are in the region, to access the funds and support they need.
"This new fund will allow us to continue supporting business owners across the Midlands, whether they're at the start of their journey or are already running an established firm.
"Promoting growth by ensuring entrepreneurs can access the finance they need regardless of where and who they are is one of the Bank’s strategic objectives, and vital to unlocking the full potential of the UK’s smaller businesses."
Gareth Davies, exchequer secretary to the Treasury, added:
"Small businesses are the engine of the economy, which is why having access to funding like this is vital to help them thrive and grow, creating jobs and spreading opportunity everywhere.
"As the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, the Midlands propelled the UK into a new era of technological and economic growth and now the next generation of entrepreneurs will have the support they need to continue this success."
The Midlands Engine Investment Fund II is one of several funds from the British Business Bank aimed at evening up regional disparities when it comes to accessing business finance.
It follows the launch of £200m for firms in South West England, a £150m scheme for Scottish businesses, the £70m Investment Fund for Northern Ireland and a £130m initiative for Welsh businesses.
A £660m fund for firms in Northern England is due to open for applications later this year.
Related Enterprise Nation resources
Small business funding: How to choose the right type for you
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