How to get funding for an idea?

Are you eager to bring your groundbreaking idea to life but finding yourself stuck at the initial hurdle of funding? While self-funding is often preferable and can give you control over your project, it can be useful to look to external sources. 

The world of early-stage funding may seem daunting and obscure, but there exists a multitude of options tailored to match your circumstances and preferences. In this article, we outline the three main paths to early-stage funding and shed light on the support available at this stage of your journey. 

1-The Power of Loans

A very common solution to the challenge of how to get funding for an idea, particularly early-stage funding, is through the support offered by friends and family. Reaching out and communicating your idea to your loved ones may provide the support necessary to allow your venture to develop successfully.

However, this may not be an option you're comfortable with, or perhaps you need more resources for your idea to move forward. At this point you may consider more formal loan applications. 

Indeed, securing a bank loan specifically designed to support the initial stages of your idea can be an effective way to kick-start your innovation journey. One noteworthy example is Virgin Money's dedicated start-up fund, an avenue worth exploring for aspiring entrepreneurs. Find out more about this scheme here. 

2-Exploring Grants

Don't overlook the potential support available through early grants, especially those listed on government websites such as the Innovation Funding Service. This is the most extensive list of funding competitions currently available in the UK, but you can also check the UKRI’s website for more opportunities. 

Non-profit and private grants may also be available to you depending on your sector and the type of idea you have. Start up hubs and Venture Capital firms may also be right for you. 

When exploring these grant opportunities, it's crucial to thoroughly research and understand the eligibility criteria, application requirements, and deadlines for each grant. Understanding how your project aligns with the grant’s goals can significantly improve your chances of securing funding. 

These grants can offer a crucial financial injection, enabling you to take your idea to the next level. 

In your pursuit of early-stage funding, exploring a combination of these paths might prove to be the key to unlocking the resources you need. 

3-Harnessing Crowdfunding

The world of crowdfunding has emerged as a critical resource for inventors seeking the resources to drive their ideas forward. 

Crowdfunding is a popular method of raising capital for a project or venture by gathering small amounts of money from a large number of people, typically via the internet. It emerged as an alternative to traditional methods of financing, such as bank loans, venture capital, or personal savings. Crowdfunding allows new inventors to present their ideas to a broader audience, who can then choose to contribute funds to support the initiative.

There are various types of crowdfunding models, including reward-based, equity-based models, peer-to-peer lending, or donation-based. You can access different types of crowdfunding through platforms like Kickstarter, GoFundMe, and Prosper. 

Not only does crowdfunding provide financial backing, but it also serves as a valuable litmus test for the feasibility of your concept. By presenting your idea to a wider audience, you can gauge interest, validate your concepts, and fine-tune your idea before seeking larger investments. With 20 years of experience, Innovate can help you set up your crowdfunding campaign and give you advice to reap the benefits it can offer.

To understand more about how crowdfunding can benefit you, visit our dedicated web page. 

Your next steps 

Whatever your chosen method to get funding for an idea, you’ll need to ensure you have all the right tools to successfully acquire funding. Notably, you may want to protect your idea before you approach potential investors. For more information on this, visit our web page for advice and guidance on how to patent your idea. 

Moreover, when reaching out to potential funders, think about how you present your idea. As you kickstart your project, presenting and pitching may not be something you’re used to. Practising your pitch and developing presentation materials can help prove the value of your idea.  

However brilliant and original your idea is, finding the appropriate funding can be incredibly challenging. Together with the advice set out above, remember to embrace the process, remain persistent, and be open to the possibilities that lie ahead.

Your journey towards transforming your vision into a tangible reality begins now.

Want more information about where to start? 

See our web pages for guidance on idea development and how to patent your idea .