How to Secure Funding or Investment for New Leisure Ventures 💷

Introduction: Turning Your Leisure Concept Into Reality

Launching a new leisure or hospitality venue — whether it’s a Laser Quest, mini golf course, escape room, or VR attraction — is an exciting step. But before the lights, signage, and social buzz come the two most important words for any new venture: funding secured.

Securing the right finance can make the difference between a dream project that thrives — and one that struggles before opening day.

This guide walks you through funding options available to UK leisure operators, from local grants and business loans to private investors and partnerships. We’ll also explore what makes investors say “yes,” and how to present your business as a smart, scalable opportunity.

💡 Understand What You’re Funding (and Why It Matters)

Before approaching anyone for money, you need clarity on what you’re funding — and how that funding will deliver returns.

Break your project into key cost areas:

• Lease and property fit-out: deposits, rent-free period, construction, interior design.

• Equipment and technology: gaming systems, lighting, VR rigs, POS software.

• Marketing and launch: website, ads, influencer partnerships, launch events.

• Working capital: initial wages, utilities, insurance, and operating costs.

This breakdown helps lenders and investors understand where their money goes and how you’ll turn it into revenue.

💬 Tip: A clear, itemised plan gives confidence. “We’re seeking £250,000 to fund a 5,000 sq-ft venue fit-out, VR equipment, and marketing launch” sounds credible. “We need some start-up capital” does not.

🏦 Explore Business Loans (Secured & Unsecured)

Traditional business loans remain one of the most common ways to fund leisure ventures.

Unsecured business loans

• Usually up to £250,000.

• Based on your credit and business history (not tied to property).

• Faster to access, but interest rates are typically higher.

Secured business loans

• Larger sums, often £250,000+ secured against property or assets.

• Lower interest rates and longer repayment terms.

• Suitable for established operators expanding to multiple sites.

Popular lenders include High Street banks (Barclays, NatWest, Lloyds), alternative lenders (Funding Circle, Capify, Iwoca), and specialist hospitality finance companies.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re expanding an existing brand (e.g., opening a second Laser Quest or soft play), highlight your track record and visitor numbers. Banks love proven operational success.

🏛️ Tap Into Local & Government Grants

Many local councils, development bodies, and tourism initiatives offer grants for leisure projects that drive footfall, employment, or regeneration.

Examples of grant sources include:

• Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) – offer regional growth funds for businesses creating jobs.

• UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) – supports regeneration and community-focused ventures.

• VisitEngland & local tourism boards – occasionally offer support for experiential tourism projects.

• Energy efficiency grants – for sustainable or low-carbon renovations.

Grants are usually non-repayable, but they often come with strict criteria — such as location, sustainability, or employment goals.

💬 Tip: Check your local council’s business support page and your regional LEP website for open funding calls.

💰 Attracting Private Investors

Private investors — whether individuals, groups, or venture funds — can provide flexible capital and business expertise.

However, investors look for three things:

1. Scalability – can the model expand regionally or nationally?

2. Profit margins – what’s the potential ROI?

3. Management quality – does the team know what they’re doing?

To attract investors:

• Prepare a clear business plan and 5-year financial forecast.

• Highlight the strength of your brand, footfall, and customer retention.

• Show real-world traction: pre-bookings, testimonials, or pilot success.

Popular investment routes:

• Angel investors: individuals who back early-stage businesses.

• Venture capital: larger funds, ideal for scalable concepts like tech-led attractions.

• Crowdfunding: sites like Crowdcube and Seedrs allow you to raise smaller sums from a large audience.

💬 Example: “Investors backed Electric Gamebox, a UK-based immersive experience, because the model was scalable, tech-driven, and designed for repeat play — all major investor magnets.”

🤝 Consider Partnerships & Joint Ventures

Sometimes, funding doesn’t come from loans or investors — it comes through strategic collaboration.

For example:

• Partnering with property developers who contribute to the fit-out in exchange for a long lease.

• Working with food and beverage operators to share space and overheads.

• Collaborating with entertainment brands (e.g. VR or eSports providers) on revenue-share models.

This approach reduces capital outlay while giving both parties access to each other’s audiences.

💬 Tip: A joint venture can be a smart move if you bring the concept and management expertise, while a partner brings the capital or property.

📊 Build a Bank-Ready (and Investor-Ready) Business Plan

Your business plan isn’t just a formality — it’s your sales pitch.

It should include:

1. Executive Summary: what your venue is and what problem it solves.

2. Market Overview: local competition, demographics, and demand.

3. Business Model: how you make money (admissions, parties, F&B, merchandise).

4. Financial Forecasts: 3–5 year projections, breakeven analysis, and cash flow.

5. Management Team: experience, roles, and relevant achievements.

The goal is to show that your business isn’t just fun — it’s profitable, sustainable, and strategically planned.

💬 Pro Tip: Banks and investors love clarity. Make numbers visual — charts, breakeven graphs, and margins per head are more persuasive than spreadsheets full of text.

🌍 Strengthen Your Case with Sustainability and Community Impact

Today’s investors and grant providers care deeply about social and environmental value.

Highlight how your venue contributes to:

• Local employment

• Community engagement (e.g., charity partnerships or school visits)

• Sustainability (LED lighting, recycling, reduced plastic, energy-efficient systems)

Position your business not just as a profitable enterprise — but as a positive contributor to the local area.

🧭 Plan for the Long Game

Raising capital takes time.

Expect 3–6 months to secure loans or investment — longer for large sums. Stay persistent, be professional, and remember that every “no” gets you closer to a “yes.”

Maintain relationships with lenders and investors even if they don’t back your current project — you never know when they’ll say yes to the next one.

Conclusion: Funding Dreams, Building Experiences

Leisure businesses are built on imagination — but sustained by solid financial planning.

Whether you’re opening your first site or scaling a proven concept, there are more funding options available now than ever before. From government grants and business loans to private investors and creative partnerships, the key is knowing where to look — and how to present your story confidently.

At LeisureBoost, we help UK leisure and hospitality operators grow through smart strategy, clear planning, and powerful marketing — from concept to launch and beyond.

⚠️ Disclaimer

This content is for general information only and shouldn’t be taken as financial advice. LeisureBoost isn’t authorised or regulated by the FCA, so please speak to a qualified financial advisor before making any investment or funding decisions.