Raising Venture Capital involves selling a stake in your business in return for an injection of capital. It is a long term funding option for those businesses looking at significant expansion.

The £40m venture fund is the largest of MSIF's three funds and provides equity packages of up to £2 million. Only limited companies can apply.

New business start-ups or established companies seeking development funds can obtain risk capital of up to £250,000. The funding is available to North West based small and medium-sized businesses in the manufacturing and service sectors with a viable business plan.

Business Angels are private investors in small and medium sized businesses with high growth prospects.

www.bestmatch.co.uk links potential equity investors to businesses seeking finance of between £50,000 and £3 million.