Investment criteria

 

Finance Wales makes commercial investments.

 

We invest in certain types of business. Before you apply you should ensure your business is eligible for investment.

 

If your business is eligible, you'll need to demonstrate your business is ready for investment.

 

Eligibility

 

We invest in small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs):

  • Employing up to 250 people
  • Annual turnover not exceeding €50 million

The businesses we invest in must be located in Wales.

 

We don't invest in direct consumer businesses. This means businesses whose main customers are the general public (including retailers and nurseries). Please contact us to find out.

 

Investment readiness

 

Finance Wales makes commercial investments and looks for genuine growth potential in all its investments.

 

You will need a business plan that demonstrates a strong business case for investment. The amount of detail in your plan depends on the size of investment you apply for.

  • Applying for £5,000 - £25,000: a one-year business plan
  • Applying for amounts over £25,000: a five-year business plan

Your business plan

 

Your business plan is your opportunity to:

  • Quantify your business' growth
  • Explain why you need investment
  • Describe how you you'll invest our money

We recommend you work with a professional adviser when writing your business plan. It should include information on:

 

Product or service

  • What is your core product’s USP?
  • Does your core product have IP or patent protection?
  • What is your core product’s route to market?

Market demand

  • Who is your target market and how do you position your product/company to them?
  • What evidence can you present about your relationships with established or potential customers?
  • Who are your key competitors? What do you see as their USP?

Growth and exit potential

  • How will your turnover and profit grow? Please include your financial forecasts; we need to be assured of a return on our investment.
  • What is your exit strategy? Let us know your expected time and route to exit and potential company valuation.

Management expertise

  • Do your managers have experience in establishing or running a business?
  • What other experience do they have?
  • Why are they the best people to run the business?
  • Do you have gaps in your team? Tell us, we could help.

Investment knowledge

  • Have you sought advice from an independent business adviser?
  • Have you considered funding from other sources, as part of a wider investment package?

If your business is eligible and ready for investment, we'd like you to contact us.