1. What do they do?
The Development Bank of Wales is a unique lender to businesses in Wales. It has been set up by the Welsh Government to support the economy of Wales by making it easier for businesses to get the finance they need to start up, strengthen and grow.
It can invest from £1,000 to £5 million at a time in businesses based throughout Wales from a number of investment funds supporting Welsh businesses in the following ways:
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Loans from £1,000 – £5 million to start, strengthen or grow your business
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Equity investment from £50,000 to £5 million for established businesses
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Seed finance for pre-revenue tech start-ups
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Equity investment for early stage and mature technology-based businesses
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Finance up to £5 million to buy a business
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Property development loans for projects in Wales
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Co-investment alongside banks, crowd funders, grants, investors and other lenders
Currently the Development Bank of Wales has a new streamlined 2-day fast track scheme for micro loans between £1,000 and £10,000 for Welsh businesses that have been trading for more than 2 years.
Generally, repayment terms range from 1 to 10 years. Interest rates charged are based on a business’ individual circumstances and are fixed for the term of the loan.
2. Applying for investment from the Development Bank Of Wales…
Eligibility Criteria
The Development Bank can only help businesses based in Wales or willing to relocate. It can support both B2B and B2C with a focus on micro to medium businesses although non SMEs can also apply.
You can check your business’ eligibility in just a few minutes through the Development Bank’s eligibility tool.
If your business is eligible you’ll 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:
- up to £50,000 – a 2 year business plan
- over £50,000 – a business plan of up to 3 years
How to apply
You can apply through an online application form. Supporting documents such as business plans or bank statements can either be attached to your application or sent in at a later date.
3. Why apply for Development Bank Of Wales funding?
Development Bank of Wales:
- can often help businesses that have failed to secure finance elsewhere
- loans and equity available
- dedicated, local account managers
- recommended by 99% of new customers*
- finance for start-ups and established businesses
- support across sectors, B2B and B2C
- a strong network of co-investors and advisers
- ongoing relationship management and support
4. Common application mistakes…
Applications for investment can be unsuccessful for the following reasons:
- poor quality business plans and financial information
- inexperienced or incomplete management teams
- lack of market or commercial knowledge and research
5. Contact details
Tel: +44 (0) 800 587 4140
Local offices
Cardiff
1 Capital Quarter, Tyndall Street, Cardiff CF10 4BZ
Llanelli
Unit 12, The Beacon Centre for Enterprise, Dafen, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire
Newtown
St David’s House, New Road, Newtown, SY16 1RB
St Asaph
Technium OpTIC, Ffordd William Morgan, St Asaph Business Park, St Asaph, LL17 0JD
Social Media
You can follow Development Bank of Wales at the following:
