Loans Hub · Business Finance
Business Loans
Compare business loans for UK companies from £5,000 to £500,000 — unsecured and secured loans, government-backed funding and merchant cash advances. Fast decisions from a whole-of-market lender panel, with bad credit and startups considered.
Business loan repayment calculator
Illustration only, based on a fixed-rate amortising loan. Actual rates depend on your circumstances and lender.
What is a business loan?
A business loan is finance a company borrows to fund cash flow, growth, equipment, stock, hiring or expansion, then repays — usually with interest — over an agreed term. UK business loans range from a few thousand pounds for a small startup to several million for an established firm, and come in many shapes: short-term working capital, multi-year term loans, asset and invoice finance, and revenue-based products.
The right loan depends on how much you need, how quickly, what you can offer as security and how you prefer to repay. This page is the hub for every funding route we arrange — use it to compare your options, estimate repayments with the calculator above, then dive into the product that fits. Typical facilities run from £5,000 to £500,000, with many decisions returned within 24–48 hours.
Types of business loan compared
There is no single “best” business loan — the smart choice depends on your assets, trading pattern and credit profile. These are the main options we arrange:
| Type of business loan | Best for | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| Unsecured business loan | Fast funding with no assets at risk | £5k – £500k |
| Secured business loan | Larger sums against property or assets | £25k – £2m+ |
| Government Growth Scheme | Viable firms wanting better terms | £1k – £2m |
| Merchant cash advance | Card-reliant retail & hospitality | £5k – £300k |
| Asset & invoice finance | Funding equipment or unpaid invoices | £10k – £1m+ |
Not sure which fits? Tell us how much you need below and we’ll match you to the products and lenders most likely to approve you.
Small business loans
Small business loans are simply business loans sized for SMEs, sole traders and newer companies — typically £5,000 to £100,000. They are the most common form of borrowing for UK small businesses, used to smooth cash flow, buy stock ahead of a busy season, cover a tax bill or invest in growth.
Because smaller firms often lack property to offer as security, most small business loans are unsecured and assessed on trading performance rather than collateral. If you are a startup with limited history, the government-backed Growth Guarantee Scheme and specialist lenders can still help — and a strong recent trading record matters more than a long one. Even business loans for small businesses with imperfect credit are achievable through the right lender on our panel.
How much can you borrow, and what will it cost?
How much you can borrow depends on your turnover, profitability, trading history and any security. As a rough guide, unsecured lenders often advance up to one to two months of turnover; secured and government-backed facilities can go much higher. Rates are priced on risk, so a profitable, established business with clean credit will see the sharpest pricing.
Use the business loan repayment calculator above to see indicative monthly repayments across different amounts and terms before you apply. Watch the headline APR, any arrangement or broker fees and early-repayment terms — a slightly higher rate with no exit penalty can work out cheaper if you plan to repay early.
Am I eligible? Startups and bad credit
Most UK lenders look for a business that is trading, UK-registered and able to demonstrate it can afford the repayments. Beyond that, criteria vary widely — which is exactly why comparing the whole market matters. In general you’ll need:
- A UK-based business (limited company, partnership or sole trader)
- Evidence of turnover, usually via recent bank statements
- Affordability for the monthly repayment or card-sales share
- Directors who can give a personal guarantee (for many unsecured loans)
Don’t rule yourself out if your history is short or your credit is patchy. Startup business loans are available through specialist and government-backed routes, and a merchant cash advance is assessed mainly on card takings — making it one of the more accessible options for businesses with bad credit.
How to apply for a business loan
- Work out what you need. Decide the amount, the purpose and how quickly you need the funds.
- Estimate the cost. Use the calculator above to sense-check monthly repayments against your budget.
- Tell us about your business. Complete the short form below — it takes under a minute and never affects your credit score.
- Compare your offers. We match you to suitable lenders across the market and you choose the facility that works best.
One enquiry, multiple lenders, no obligation — the quickest way to see realistic business loan options for your company.
It takes under a minute — and enquiring never affects your credit score.
Frequently asked questions
How much can I borrow with a business loan?
Most UK business loans run from £5,000 to £500,000, though secured and government-backed facilities can reach £2 million or more. The amount depends on your turnover, profitability, trading history and any security you can offer.
What is the best type of business loan?
There is no single best option. An unsecured loan suits fast, asset-free funding; a merchant cash advance fits card-reliant businesses; the Growth Guarantee Scheme helps viable firms get better terms; and secured or asset finance suits larger or equipment-based needs. We compare them all for you.
Can I get a small business loan as a startup?
Yes. Startup business loans are available through specialist lenders and the government-backed Growth Guarantee Scheme. A clear plan and evidence of trading or projected income help, and a strong recent record matters more than a long history.
Can I get a business loan with bad credit?
Often, yes. Some lenders specialise in bad-credit business loans, and a merchant cash advance is assessed mainly on your card takings rather than your credit file. Approval and pricing depend on your overall trading position.
How quickly can I get a business loan?
Unsecured business loans are typically decided within 24 hours and funded in one to two working days. Secured and government-backed facilities take longer because of valuations and additional checks.
Do I need to secure a business loan against assets?
Not always. Unsecured business loans need no asset as security, though directors may give a personal guarantee. Secured loans use property or equipment as collateral, which can unlock larger sums and lower rates.
Are there government business loans in the UK?
Yes. The Growth Guarantee Scheme, run by the British Business Bank, provides government-backed business loans where the government guarantees 70% of the facility to the lender. You still repay 100% of the debt.
What can a business loan be used for?
Almost any legitimate business purpose — cash flow, stock, equipment, hiring, marketing, premises, refinancing existing debt or funding expansion. Some products, like asset and invoice finance, are tied to a specific use.