There’s a saying that there’s no such thing as a free lunch, and sure, you’re probably going to struggle to find anyone who’ll pay for all of your business lunches, but you know what? There are actually 5 surprising ways you can secure some free cash for your company, as you will see below…
By Team Savant
Image: Money Knack
1. Sponsorship Shenanigans
There’s something wonderfully cheeky about finding a sponsor who’s willing to foot part of your business’s bills. From local councils to big corporations, sponsorships are up for grabs if you know where to look (hello, social media!). Got a quirky event or product launch on the horizon? Turn on the charm and woo potential sponsors with the promise of brand exposure galore. If your pitch is as irresistible as a free doughnut, you’ll have people practically queuing up to throw money at you. Cha-ching.
2. Competitions & Contests
Sure, it might feel a bit like you’re back in Year 6 trying to win the “best poster” competition, but business contests can be surprisingly lucrative. Industry-specific challenges or “best innovative idea” awards often offer monetary prizes and a tonne of publicity. All you need to do is unleash your inner creative genius and dazzle the judges with your groundbreaking concept. And if you win? That’s a double whammy: not only do you pocket a nice wad of cash, but you also snag some serious bragging rights.
3. Grant Gusto (Including Energy Saving Grants!)
When in doubt, grant it out. Governments and organisations all over the UK provide grants to businesses for all sorts of reasons—innovation, expansion, training… you name it, there’s probably a grant for it. Lest we forget, there’s also the existence of energy saving grants, which are exactly what they sound like: glorious little pots of gold designed to reward businesses that invest in more eco-friendly and efficient processes, and something you can explore more by visiting One Energy. You help save the planet, and you get a financial pat on the back. Now that’s a win-win if ever there was one.
4. Crowdfunding Capers
Picture it: your brilliant business plan is up on a crowdfunding site, accompanied by a snappy pitch video featuring you and your team doing something memorable (like breakdancing in business suits—because why not?). Interested supporters donate cash because they believe in you, or because they love your moves. And guess what? You haven’t had to crawl to the bank manager, hat in hand. Even better, crowdfunding can double as free marketing and gives you a chance to build a loyal fanbase right from the get-go.
5. Freebie Fever
Finally, don’t ignore free resources that can indirectly save you money—like free office furniture from businesses that are moving or shutting down. Fewer overheads equal more cash left in your wallet. And that, dear friend, is the very definition of a free injection of funds. Who says rummaging in the “preloved” bin can’t be profitable?
There might be no such thing as a free lunch, but as you can see, that doesn’t mean your business can’t benefit from a freebie or two in other areas!