Frequently asked questions
Q. What type of funding do you offer?
A. We make commercial investment; we don't issue grants.
Our loans start at £5,000 but we can invest in excess
of £1 million. When you apply to Finance Wales we look at your
individual circumstances and develop a package that best suits
your business.
Q. What's the difference between Finance Wales and other high
street finance providers?
A. Finance Wales provides commercial funding to SMEs in
Wales. We can contribute to a funding package with
co-investors, or we can invest alone, where no other
funding is available. We can also provide both loan and equity
investment to suit your business.
Q. My bank can’t fund the total amount that I need, how can you
help?
A. Finance Wales can invest in your company alongside any other
investor in a syndicate to make up an investment package.
Q. Can I apply for both loan and equity investment?
A. Tell us about your circumstances when you apply and our
investment executives will create an investment package that
satisfies the needs of your business. Our solution may involve
a loan, an equity stake or a combination of the two.
Q. What can’t you offer?
A. We usually cannot finance working capital, for
example rent, wages or stock.
Q. How long does Finance Wales take to reach an
investment decision?
A. It all depends on the size of investment you're apply for.
For a small loan of up to £25,000 you could get an answer in as
little as 5 working days. Larger and more complex deals take
longer. Our decision-making process cannot begin until we receive
all necessary information, so it's important to include this in
your application. Let us know if you need to meet deadlines;
we want to work with you.
Q. Do you offer soft loans or interest rates?
A. No, the rates we offer reflect the risks involved and
are broadly comparable to high street lenders.
Q. I've been turned down by another investor, will this
affect my application?
A. Not necessarily. Every investor has their own criteria and
Finance Wales is no different.
Q. Do you run a credit check on all applications?
A. Yes. If you're aware of any issues in your credit background
and would like to provide us with more information, please include
it in your application.
Q. I've had funding from others sources but need more, can
you help me?
A. Yes, we're willing to look at any additional funding you
may need to realise your growth plans.
Q. Will my application be confidential?
A. We take confidentiality very seriously and have a
duty of care to protect our customers information.
Q. I've developed a unique product; will you sign a
non-disclosure agreement before I discuss it with you?
A. We don't typically enter into non-disclosure agreements,
but if you feel you have a strong case for requesting one, please
let us know. If you have intellectual property, we recommend you
consider protecting it with a patent.
Q. I’m not sure if you can help me, can I talk to
you?
A. Yes, our customer service team is always keen to help
you. You can call us between 9am - 5pm, Monday to
Friday on 0800 587 4140 or contact
us via this web site any time.
Q. I don’t have a business plan, can you help?
A. We recommend that you contact the Welsh Government's
Business
Support service.