Financial assistance from the European Union, and UK government agencies, available for specific geographical areas, purposes, industries and projects. Government grants may be a cheap way of raising finance as they usually have a lower interest rate than bank loans. However, applying for some of these grants can prove costly, in terms of preparing accounts and / or cash flow information and having these certified by an independent accountant. There are also conditions relating to the number and type of employees or items on which the money can be spent. Many also have non-financial costs. For example, grants may be publicised which certain business owners may not welcome.