Frequently asked questions

The Midlands Engine Investment Fund II (MEIF II) will deliver £400m of new funding through investment strategies that best meet the needs of the businesses across the Midlands. MEIF II is designed to build on the first Midlands Engine Investment Fund and continue to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating opportunities for new and growing businesses across the Midlands.

The fund will increase the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for smaller businesses in the Midlands, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and help to break down barriers in access to finance.

MEIF II does not invest directly in businesses. It invests through funds which are managed by MEIF II’s appointed fund managers. The Fund will offer three commercial finance options with Smaller Loans from £25k to £100k, Debt Finance from £100k to £2m and Equity Finance up to £5 million.

MEIF II will offer three commercial finance options with Smaller Loans from £25k to £100k, Debt Finance from £100k to £2m and Equity Finance up to £5 million.

Enquiries and applications are made direct to MEIF II’s selected fund managers, full details of which can be viewed here. MEIF II cannot provide financial or business advice to businesses seeking funding and businesses may wish to engage their own accountant or business adviser if application assistance is required.

MEIF II covers the whole of the Midlands, including the West Midlands, East Midlands and South West Midlands. Investments can be made in businesses that are headquartered in the Midlands or have a significant operating presence there.

MEIF II has been designed to help address market failures by increasing the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for UK smaller businesses, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment. The funds that make up MEIF II provide commercially focussed funding to businesses across the Midlands. MEIF II’s funds can invest alone or alongside other funders, and indeed MEIF II fund managers are encouraged to leverage-in additional private capital.

MEIF II’s product funds can invest alone or alongside other sources of debt or equity capital where appropriate.

MEIF II will have an inclusive approach, but some eligibility criteria do apply to MEIF II funding and fund managers will be able to advise on suitability.