Small Business Loans: Match with UK Lenders Fast
Summary: Fast Business Loans helps UK limited companies and growing SMEs find the right small business loan quickly. We don’t lend—our free enquiry matches businesses (minimum loan value from £10,000) with vetted brokers and lenders who can provide term loans, asset finance, invoice finance, merchant cash advances and more. Completing our enquiry is not an application and does not impact your credit file; it simply allows us to identify the best finance partners for your needs. Get Quote Now — it takes under 2 minutes.
How can UK small businesses secure the right loan quickly?
Fast Business Loans streamlines your search: complete a short enquiry, and we match your company with the brokers and lenders most likely to offer suitable terms. Our process saves time, increases the chance of useful offers, and preserves your credit record until you choose to proceed. There’s no cost to use our service and no obligation to accept any offer. Start your Free Eligibility Check.
What is a small business loan and how does it work?
A small business loan is finance provided to a company to support working capital, investment or restructuring. Loans may be secured (using business assets or property as security) or unsecured. Typical lending supports amounts from around £10,000 up to multi‑million facilities, with terms ranging from short (months) to medium/long term (up to several years), depending on product type.
Lenders assess applications based on turnover, profit, trading history, business plan, and the directors’ background. Many specialised lenders consider sector-specific factors such as seasonality, contracts or asset values. Enquiring via Fast Business Loans simply helps us identify the right lenders or brokers for your profile—it is not a formal application and does not, by itself, trigger credit checks.
Common reasons UK SMEs seek funding
- Working capital: smoothing cash flow during growth or seasonal cycles.
- Equipment & vehicle purchases: asset or equipment finance for machinery, vehicles or IT.
- Refurbishment & fit-out: premises improvement, shop or restaurant refits.
- Stock & procurement: buying inventory ahead of peak demand.
- Expansion: opening new locations, hiring staff or launching new services.
- Refinance & consolidation: restructure existing liabilities to reduce monthly costs.
- Sustainability projects: finance for solar, EV chargers or energy-efficiency upgrades.
Loan and finance options available through our partners
Through our network you can explore a wide range of products. Actual availability will depend on lender assessment and your circumstances.
| Product | Typical amount | Suitable for | Key notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unsecured term loans | £10k–£500k+ | Working capital, one-off investments | No asset security required; rates vary with risk |
| Secured loans | £50k–£5m+ | Property-backed growth, large projects | Lower rates but security required |
| Asset & equipment finance | £10k–£1m | M-linked equipment, vehicles | Repayments often aligned with asset life |
| Invoice finance | From £10k | Businesses with unpaid invoices | Unlock cash from receivables |
| Merchant cash advance | £10k–£250k | Card sales-driven businesses | Repayments taken from daily card takings |
| Revolving credit / overdraft | £10k–£1m | Ongoing working capital flexibility | Interest charged on drawn amount |
| Sustainability loans | £10k–£1m+ | Energy upgrades, EV chargers, solar | May include preferential terms |
Want to compare options quickly? Compare your options – Get a Quote.
Four simple steps to connect with vetted lenders
- Complete a short enquiry — tell us your company details, loan purpose and amount (under 2 minutes). Get Started – Free Eligibility Check.
- We match you — we connect your details to the most relevant brokers/lenders in our network.
- Receive offers — expect a call or email from matched partners to discuss options and documents.
- Decide & fund — review offers, select your preferred lender and complete the formal application.
Timescales vary; many enquiries lead to broker contact within hours and offers within days depending on complexity.
Eligibility criteria and documents lenders usually request
Typical lender requirements include: UK-incorporated companies, minimum trading record for some products (though specialist lenders may consider newer businesses), sufficient turnover, and suitable collateral where security is required. Fast Business Loans arranges matches for loans from £10,000 upwards.
Common documents requested:
- Recent business bank statements (3–12 months)
- Management accounts and/or statutory accounts
- VAT returns (if applicable)
- Cashflow forecasts or business plan for growth funding
- Details of assets offered as security (if any)
- Director ID and proof of address
If you’ve had past credit difficulties or complex trading patterns, tell us on the enquiry — we’ll match you with brokers experienced in specialist lending.
What costs should you expect with a small business loan?
Costs vary significantly by product and provider. Expect to see:
- Interest rate: fixed or variable; lender-dependent.
- Arrangement / facility fees: one-off fees charged at drawdown.
- Early repayment charges: sometimes apply for secured or fixed-rate products.
- Broker fees: some brokers charge fees (we’ll make this clear when you’re introduced).
Compare APR and total cost over the term, not just headline rates. Fast Business Loans provides introductions only; actual rates and fees come from lenders after a formal application.
Why businesses choose Fast Business Loans
- Speed: short enquiry, fast matches.
- Simplicity: one form connects you to multiple relevant partners.
- Sector expertise: we match by industry and funding need.
- No cost & no obligation: using our service is free for businesses.
- Data privacy: we only share details with selected partners who can help.
Learn more about different types of small business loans and when each is suitable.
Borrow responsibly: fair, clear and not misleading
We aim to be clear and helpful. We do not guarantee approvals. Consider the affordability and long-term impact of borrowing and seek independent advice if unsure. Submitting an enquiry is free and does not commit you to borrowing.
Small business funding success story
Example (pseudonym): A regional café needed £75,000 to cover seasonal stock and a small refit. After a Fast Business Loans enquiry, a broker experienced in hospitality finance arranged two competitive term loan proposals. The café accepted an unsecured term loan tailored to seasonal turnover and was funded within 10 days, enabling them to increase stock and carry out the refit before peak season.
Want results like this? See what we can do for your business.
What happens after you submit your enquiry?
- Day 0: You submit the form (under 2 minutes).
- Hours 0–24: We match and introduce you to suitable partners; expect contact.
- Day 2–7: Brokers/lenders request documents and issue indicative offers.
- Day 7+: Formal application, underwriting and funding (varies by product).
Small business loan FAQs
Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No. Completing Fast Business Loans’ enquiry form does not show on your credit file. Lenders or brokers may carry out credit checks only if you proceed with a formal application.
What loan amounts can I access?
Our partners typically handle loans from £10,000 up to multi‑million facilities depending on product and lender. Tell us what you need on the enquiry.
How quickly can I expect contact?
Many businesses hear from partners within hours during business days. Complex or larger facilities may take longer for underwriting.
Do you charge businesses to use the service?
No. Our service is free for businesses. Any fees from brokers or lenders will be disclosed by them before you proceed.
I’ve been declined elsewhere — can you still help?
Possibly. We work with a broad panel including specialists who consider a wider set of criteria. Be transparent about past declines so we can match you appropriately.
Can I speak to someone first?
Yes. Complete the quick enquiry and request a call, or include questions in your submission — partners will contact you to discuss options.
Ready to explore your best small business loan options?
Complete our quick enquiry and we’ll match you with lenders and brokers who best fit your needs. It’s free, secure and takes less than 2 minutes: Get Started — Free Eligibility Check.
Disclaimers & helpful links
Fast Business Loans introduces businesses to finance brokers and lenders; we are not a lender and do not provide regulated financial advice. All finance is subject to status, lender criteria and application. For full terms, privacy and complaints information please see our website policies.
– How can my UK business get a small business loan quickly?
Complete our short enquiry and we’ll match you with vetted brokers and lenders likely to offer suitable terms fast.
– Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No—our enquiry is not a loan application and won’t appear on your credit file; checks only happen if you proceed with a formal application.
– What loan amounts and terms are available?
Our partners typically offer from £10,000 up to multi‑million facilities with terms from a few months to several years, depending on the product.
– What types of business finance can you connect me with?
We match UK SMEs to unsecured and secured term loans, asset and equipment finance, invoice finance, merchant cash advances, revolving credit/overdrafts, and sustainability loans.
– Who is eligible for funding through Fast Business Loans?
UK‑incorporated companies and SMEs are considered, with some products requiring trading history while specialist lenders may assess newer businesses.
– What documents do lenders usually ask for?
Expect recent business bank statements, accounts, VAT returns (if applicable), cash‑flow forecasts or a plan, director ID/address, and any security details.
– How quickly could I receive offers or funding?
Many businesses hear from matched partners within hours and see indicative offers within days, with funding following underwriting and product type.
– What will a small business loan cost me?
Costs vary by lender and product, typically including interest plus possible arrangement and early repayment fees—compare APR and total cost over the term.
– Is Fast Business Loans a lender, and do I have to proceed?
We’re an introducer (not a lender), our service is free, and there’s no obligation to accept any offer you receive.
– Can you help if I’ve been declined elsewhere or have adverse credit?
Often yes—our panel includes specialists who consider wider criteria, so be transparent in your enquiry for the best match.
