The British Business Bank is a state-owned development entity set up in 2014 as a public limited company. It works to improve financing options for small and medium size enterprises (SMEs). The Group does not lend or invest directly but partners with banks, leasing companies, venture capital funds and web-based platforms. BBB is also intended to serve as a center of expertise on small business financing in the UK and to provide advice to the government. The investment portfolio consists of US$ 4.3 billion in various funds.