Small Business Loans: Fast Matches to Trusted UK Lenders
Summary: Fast Business Loans helps UK limited companies and growing SMEs find suitable small business finance quickly. We are an introducer service — not a lender — and our simple, no‑obligation enquiry connects you with lenders and brokers who specialise in business loans from around £10,000 upwards. Complete a 2‑minute enquiry for a free eligibility check and we’ll match you with the best partners for your needs. Start Your Free Eligibility Check.
Why Small Businesses Choose Fast Business Loans
Finding the right business finance can be time-consuming and confusing. Many SMEs face short-term cashflow gaps, need equipment quickly, or are planning fast expansion and don’t have time to approach dozens of lenders. Fast Business Loans simplifies this: tell us about your business, and we’ll connect you with lenders and brokers who are best placed to help.
What makes us different
- Fast matching: many businesses hear from a relevant partner within hours.
- No cost to your business: our service is free and there’s no obligation to proceed.
- Sector-aware partners: we match you to lenders/brokers who understand your industry.
- No credit impact at enquiry: completing our enquiry does not affect your credit score.
How Our Small Business Loan Matching Works
Here’s how to get matched in minutes — no application, just an enquiry used to find the right lenders or brokers for your business:
- Complete a short enquiry: tell us about your company, funding amount (typically £10,000+), purpose and trading history — it takes under 2 minutes. Start Your Free Eligibility Check.
- We match you: your details are shared only with partners suited to your need so you don’t get unsuitable calls.
- Receive a rapid response: expect an email or call to discuss options and next steps.
- Compare and decide: review lender proposals and choose the offer that best fits your business — there’s no pressure to accept.
We are an introducer platform and not a lender or financial adviser. Your enquiry is not a loan application; it’s information used to match you with appropriate providers.
What Small Business Finance Can Support
Business loans and finance solutions serve many uses. Tell us what you need and we’ll try to match you with partners who specialise in that area.
Popular reasons SMEs seek funding
- Working capital to cover seasonal sales dips or payroll
- Purchase of new or used equipment and machinery
- Stock and inventory financing for peak periods
- Refurbishment or premises fit-out
- Expansion, new premises or openings
- Refinance or consolidate existing business debt
- Growth investment such as marketing or hiring
Mini case examples (anonymised)
Retailer (South England): secured short-term stock finance ahead of Christmas — funds in under a week after matching. Manufacturer: asset finance to replace a key press; structured repayments tied to equipment life.
Small Business Loan Options on Our Panel
We connect businesses with lenders who offer a broad range of products. Below are common options and what they typically suit.
Unsecured vs Secured Business Loans
| Feature | Unsecured Loan | Secured Loan |
|---|---|---|
| Typical loan size | From £10,000 to £250,000 | £25,000 up to multi‑million (depending on security) |
| Security required | No collateral | Property, plant & machinery, or debentures |
| Speed | Faster to arrange | May take longer due to valuations/legal work |
| Ideal for | Short-term working capital, small investments | Large investments, refinancing, property deals |
Other common types
| Type | What it does | Typical limits & term |
|---|---|---|
| Short-term working capital | Bridges cashflow gaps | £10k–£500k; weeks to 12 months |
| Invoice finance | Advance against unpaid invoices | Flexible; tied to invoice book |
| Asset & equipment finance | Buy or lease machinery/vehicles | £10k upwards; term matches asset life |
| Merchant cash advance / revenue finance | Repay as a percentage of card/online takings | Shorter-term; repayment varies with turnover |
Figures are illustrative. Actual terms, rates and eligibility are determined by lenders.
Who Can Apply for a Small Business Loan?
We commonly work with UK limited companies and incorporated businesses seeking £10,000 and above. While each lender has its own criteria, typical requirements include:
- Registered UK company details and trading address
- Minimum trading history (many lenders prefer 6+ months)
- Annual turnover guidance helps match the right products
- Details of the funding amount and purpose
Information to share in your enquiry
- Company name, registration number and contact details
- How long you’ve been trading and your approximate turnover
- Requested loan amount and intended use
- Whether you can offer security or a personal guarantee
- Any recent adverse credit (be honest — it helps match you correctly)
Provide accurate details and you’ll get matched faster. Send Us Your Details to See Your Options.
Our Matching Process & Partner Standards
We vet brokers and lenders before introducing them to businesses. We select partners based on experience, product suitability and track record of working with SMEs. Your data is shared only with partners who are a good fit for your enquiry.
Speed without compromise
Expect a partner to contact you quickly to discuss options and request any supporting documents. Matches are curated to reduce irrelevant approaches — we aim to save you time and increase the chance of a positive outcome.
Your enquiry is shared only with partners suited to your business; you control who you speak to and there is no obligation to accept any offer.
Understanding Costs Before You Commit
Fast Business Loans does not set rates and we do not charge businesses to use our service. Lenders determine interest rates, fees and repayment profiles based on their assessment. Typical factors influencing cost include:
- Credit profile and business performance
- Loan term and product type
- Whether the loan is secured or unsecured
- Industry and perceived risk
Always compare full cost illustrations (APR or equivalent), repayment schedules and any arrangement or exit fees before committing. Ask each lender for a written quote. Compare Offers via Our Free Service.
Fast Business Loans is an introducer platform. Lenders will provide full terms before you commit.
Small Business Success Stories
London Café (anonymised): secured short-term working capital to cover a seasonal dip — funds arranged within days after matching, enabling payroll continuity.
Regional Manufacturer: matched to an asset finance specialist for a new press — structured repayments aligned to production capacity so cashflow stayed healthy.
Small Business Loan FAQs
- Is there any obligation after I’m matched?
- No. Matching introduces you to lenders/brokers — you decide whether to proceed with any offer.
- How fast can funds be released?
- Times vary by product and lender. Some short-term loans and invoice finance can be six working days or sooner; secured or property deals may take longer.
- What loan amounts are available?
- We focus on business finance from around £10,000 upwards; many partners can support loans from £10k to multi‑million.
- Can I enquire with adverse credit?
- Yes — many lenders consider the full business story. Being open about issues helps us match you to appropriate partners.
- Do you provide financial advice?
- No. We introduce you to lenders and brokers who can provide quotes and, where appropriate, regulated advice.
- Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
- No. Completing our enquiry does not trigger a credit search. Partners only perform credit checks if you choose to proceed with an application.
- How secure is my data?
- Your details are only shared with selected partners relevant to your enquiry. We expect partners to handle your information responsibly.
Ready to Explore Your Small Business Loan Options?
Three quick steps:
- Complete our short enquiry (under 2 minutes).
- Receive matches from lenders or brokers who understand your sector.
- Compare offers and choose what suits your business — no obligation.
Free, secure, no obligation. Start Your Enquiry
If you want more background reading on the types of finance available, see our detailed pillar guide to small business loans.
Disclaimer: Fast Business Loans is an introducer platform and does not provide loans or regulated financial advice. Loan terms, eligibility and charges are set by lenders.
1) What is Fast Business Loans and how does it work?
Fast Business Loans is a free UK introducer (not a lender) that uses a 2‑minute enquiry to match your business with trusted lenders and brokers best suited to your needs.
2) What loan amounts can I access?
Our partners typically provide small business finance from around £10,000 upwards, with some facilities extending to multi‑million depending on eligibility.
3) Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No — completing our eligibility enquiry does not affect your credit score, and any credit checks happen only if you decide to proceed with a lender.
4) How fast can I receive funds?
Many SMEs are matched within hours and can receive funds in a few days for suitable products, while secured or property‑backed loans may take longer due to valuations and legal work.
5) Who is eligible to enquire?
We commonly support UK limited companies and incorporated SMEs with several months’ trading, and many partners consider limited trading history or past credit issues on a case‑by‑case basis.
6) What types of business finance can you match me with?
We match UK businesses to unsecured and secured loans, working capital, invoice finance, asset and equipment finance, and merchant cash advances.
7) Do you charge fees, and how are rates and repayments set?
Our service is free for businesses, and lenders set rates, APRs, fees, and repayment schedules based on your credit profile, loan type, term, security, and sector.
8) Do I need security or a personal guarantee?
Unsecured business loans may require a personal guarantee, while larger or lower‑rate options can be secured against property, plant, machinery or debentures.
9) What information do I need to provide to start?
Share your company details, trading history, turnover guidance, funding amount and purpose, security or personal guarantee availability, and any recent adverse credit—this is an enquiry, not a full application.
10) Is there any obligation to proceed after I’m matched?
No — matching simply introduces you to relevant lenders or brokers so you can compare offers and proceed only if you choose.
