What is the purpose of an Enterprise Investment Scheme?

The purpose of an Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) is to help smaller, higher-risk trading companies raise finance. EIS is a government-backed initiative in the UK designed to encourage investment in startups and small businesses that typically struggle to secure funding through traditional means. By offering tax relief to investors, such as income tax relief and capital gains tax exemption, the scheme reduces some of the financial risks associated with investing in these companies.

This focus on smaller, higher-risk companies is essential because they are often crucial for innovation and job creation, but they may also face greater challenges in attracting capital compared to more established businesses. By incentivizing investments in these enterprises, the EIS aims to foster growth in the economy while enabling investors to potentially earn returns on their investments through supporting emerging businesses.

The other options do not align with the core purpose of EIS. Providing loans to existing businesses is not the primary objective of this scheme, as the EIS is centered around equity investment rather than debt financing. Assisting larger corporations doesn't fit, as the scheme specifically targets smaller enterprises. Offering grants to all kinds of businesses also diverges from the EIS's focus, as it is about equity investment with associated tax benefits rather than broad financial grants.