About NWBIS - NWBIS

The Business Investment Scheme is a £23 million scheme to provide seed and venture capital investment to small and medium sized businesses using money allocated by the European Regional Development Fund for use in the North West areas designated as Objective 2 or Transitional.

The Business Investment Scheme can look at funding most small to medium sized businesses with only a few exceptions, which are outlined below.

Even if your business falls into the categories below, it is still worth getting in touch, we may be able to help or a least direct you to someone who can.

1. All businesses must be within the Objective 2 or Transitional areas of the North West. View Objective 2 areas.

2. The scheme can invest up to a maximum of £1m for any one project.

3. Your business must employ less than 250 people, have a turnover of less than €50 million (approximately £33 million) and assets of less than €43 million (approximately £29 million).

4. Your business may not be eligible if 49% (or more) of its activities comprise:

synthetic fibres,
textiles,
clothing,
motor vehicle manufacture and first tier suppliers,
shipbuilding,
coal,
steel,
agriculture,
transport,
banking,
insurance,
food production and processing, but check with us as certain applications in these sectors may qualify.

To apply for funding please click here.

YFM Private Equity manages the Business Investment Scheme on behalf of the Northwest Development Agency.

YFM Private Equity was incorporated in 1987. As the investment arm of the YFM Group it has built up a portfolio of funds that provide equity and loan finance to small and medium sized enterprises throughout the UK. YFM Private Equity has sought to establish itself as a leading supplier of risk capital in sums of up to £1m in the UK. Including the Business Investment Scheme it has in excess £250 million of funds under management. The investors backing YFM Private Equity include European institutions, the UK Government, UK clearing banks, large corporates and pension funds, together with approximately 3,000 private individuals. YFM Private Equity currently has 36 investment executives working from offices in Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, London,Hull and Rotherham. YFM Private Equity is authorised by the Financial Services Authority and is a member of the British Venture Capital Association. See www.yfmprivateequity.co.uk

Northwest Regional Development Agency and Nortwest Business Angels.

The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) is responsible for the sustainable economic development and regeneration of England’s Northwest, and has 5 key priorities: Business Development, Regeneration, Skills & Employment, Infrastructure and Image.Within this remit, the NWDA plays a pivotal role in helping the Region's small and medium sized companies and entrepreneurs have easier access to growth capital, from a widening range of providers, by creating new seed and venture capital funds like the North West Business Investment Scheme. See www.nwda.co.uk.

NWDA's Northwest Business Angels (formerly TEChINVEST) introduces companies seeking investment to business angels and other appropriate sources of finance, including venture capital funds. In 15years over £20 million has been raised from private investors and funds, in amounts ranging from £2.5K to £500K. For further information please contact Northwest Business Angels on 01925 400302 or angels@nwda.co.uk

European Union

The North West Business Investment Scheme and the costs of its management is part financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund Programme 2000-2006 and by the Northwest Regional Development Agency. See http://www.eurofundingnw.org.uk