Raising Finance

"Raising Finance" is an accessible, practical guide that will help you find your way through the financial maze of starting up a business, expanding it, and eventually selling it. It is a hands-on guide that does not make assumptions about prior knowledge and is suitable for the average business owner. Topics covered include: start-up; financing growth; financing equity; funding; buying a business; grooming your business for sale; and selling the business. "Raising Finance" deals with both the theory and the reality of growing a business. Key issues are highlighted by the use of fascinating real-life case studies, showing you what steps to take to grow, fund, acquire and sell a business. Barrow is not afraid to expose unpalatable truths. Director A practical guide to help finding your way through the financial maze of starting, expanding, and eventually selling a business very useful to business students as it deals with both the theory and the reality of business. Business Executive1. Value -- what is it all about? Some basic rules on creating value; Beauty is in the eye of the beholder (in this case the buyer); When to sell?; A few final thoughts on value 2. Start-up financing Small and medium sized enterprise (SME) start-ups; The funding options; Key things to remember on funding; Chapter summary 3. Growth financing What is wrong with bank overdrafts?; Invoice financing; Should you use invoice financing?; Chapter summary 4. Equity funding Giving money away; Business Angels; Venture capital; Alternative Investment Market (AIM); Stock Exchange (full or main listing); Should you use equity funding?; Chapter summary 5. Buying a business Why should you buy a business?; How do you buy a business?; How do you make sure there are no nasty surprises afterwards?; Should you be buying a business?; Chapter summary 6. Debt-bound and failing businesses Never give up; Restoring some profitability and managing cash; Selling an unprofitable business; What about you?; Chapter summary 7. Grooming your business for sale Recognising the need to sell; Recognise the gap; It's all about timing; What about your business grooming?; Chapter summary 8. Exit routes Are you ready to sell?; The options; What about your exit routes?; Chapter summary 9. Packaging the business Make sure all your ducks are lined up; Where will the buyer come from?; Getting to the buyers; Marketing the business; What about your packaging?; Chapter summary; Appendix: an example of an information memorandum 10 . From offer to payment On the last lap; Handling enquiries/offers; Negotiating the deal; Sale and purchase contract; What about your last lap?; Chapter summary