SMEs, small to medium firms, account for 99.9% of the private sector and yet many are struggling to get the finance to grow their own operations. The government's Funding for Lending scheme was launched to help, but figures for March to May this year show a £4.5m net drop in business lending.

The Federation of Small Businesses (which represents 200,000 British firms) says this is a disappointing trend, and has called for a prompt review into the Funding for Lending scheme.

So why are the banks not lending enough to small businesses, and if they won't, where else could they seek funding? In an exclusive video special, IBTimes UK looks at the challenges businesses have in finding funding, and what alternatives to the banks are available.

Presented by Marverine Cole.

Music courtesy of royaltyfreekings.com