Small Business Loans – Compare Trusted UK Lenders Fast

Summary: Fast Business Loans connects limited companies and growing SMEs in the UK with suitable lenders and brokers for business loans from £10,000 upwards. We don’t lend or give regulated advice — we make fast, no-obligation introductions so you can compare offers and choose the best solution. Complete a short enquiry to get matched quickly. Free Eligibility Check

What is a small business loan & how it works?

A small business loan is finance provided to a company to support operations, growth or capital purchases. In the UK context this typically includes working capital, equipment purchases, premises improvements, refinancing and short-term cashflow needs. Loans can be secured (backed by business assets or property) or unsecured (based on cashflow and credit history).

Fast Business Loans does not provide funding ourselves. Instead, we gather a few details from you and introduce your business to lenders and brokers who may offer options that suit your situation. Submitting an enquiry is a simple information step — not an application — and helps us match you to the best providers for your circumstances. Get Quote Now

Why use Fast Business Loans for your small business finance search?

Searching for business finance can be time-consuming and confusing. That’s where we help. Our service is designed to save time and increase the likelihood of a suitable match by connecting you with lenders and brokers who specialise in your sector or funding need.

Free, no-obligation matching

• Complete a short enquiry — it’s free and takes under 2 minutes.
• We share only the necessary information with selected partners so they can provide a fast response.

Sector-specific experience

Whether you’re in hospitality, construction, manufacturing or retail, we connect you with partners who have sector experience and understand typical cashflow cycles and asset requirements.

Transparent, straightforward help

• We won’t pressure you to accept any offer.
• We explain next steps clearly and help you compare options.

Free Eligibility Check

Types of small business loans we can help you access

Our lender and broker network can assist with a range of secured and unsecured products. Below are common types of finance and when they are typically used.

• Working capital loans — Short- to medium-term loans to cover payroll, stock or seasonal peaks. Typical amounts: £10,000–£250,000+; terms: months to a few years.
• Short-term / merchant cash advances — Fast access to cash repaid from future card sales or turnover. Useful for urgent cashflow gaps; amounts and fees vary widely.
• Asset & equipment finance — Finance to buy or lease machinery, vehicles, IT and specialist equipment. Often structured to match the working life of the asset.
• Invoice finance — Unlock cash held in unpaid invoices (invoice discounting/factoring) to improve liquidity without taking on conventional debt.
• Commercial loans & refinance — Longer-term borrowing for expansion, refi existing debt or buyouts; often secured and tailored to company needs.
• Fit-out and refurbishment finance — Funding for premises improvements, shop/restaurant fit-outs or branch refits.
• Sustainability & energy upgrade loans — Finance for solar, EV chargers, insulation and other energy-saving projects.

For a general overview of options and sector-focused guidance, see our pillar on small business loans.

Step-by-step: how our enquiry process works

1. Short enquiry form — Tell us about your company, the amount you need (from £10,000) and the purpose. It takes under 2 minutes and will not affect your credit score.
2. Smart matching — We match your request to lenders and brokers with relevant appetite and experience for your sector and loan size.
3. Rapid response — Selected partners contact you with indicative options. Many provide initial feedback within hours during business hours.
4. Compare & proceed — Review multiple offers, ask questions, and choose the provider you want to work with. You decide whether to progress to a full application.

Designer note: an infographic showing the four steps (form → match → response → fund) helps conversion. Start Your Enquiry

Eligibility snapshot for UK small businesses

Eligibility differs by lender, but common criteria include:

• Company type: limited companies and incorporated businesses (we do not handle sole trader-specific products)
• Minimum loan size: typically from £10,000
• Trading history: many lenders prefer at least 12 months’ trading, though some brokers and specialist lenders accept shorter histories
• Turnover and cashflow: lenders will assess affordability based on accounts and projections
• Credit profile: flexibility varies — some specialist providers will consider weaker credit histories

Typical documents lenders request: recent accounts, management accounts, business bank statements, ID for directors and a short outline of the funding purpose. Exact requirements depend on the lender.

Understanding costs, rates and repayments

Costs vary significantly by product and credit risk. Key elements to compare:

• Interest / APR: Shows the overall cost; compare like-for-like across lenders.
• Arrangement and facility fees: Upfront charges for setting up the loan.
• Early repayment charges: Some lenders apply penalties for settling loans early.
• Security requirements: Secured loans can be cheaper but put assets at risk.

Top tip: Ask lenders for a breakdown of all fees and an example repayment schedule. This makes comparison straightforward and avoids surprises.

Benefits & considerations of small business loans

Real-world example (illustrative)

North West Retailer — challenge: seasonal stock shortfall ahead of peak trading. Required: £60,000 to buy inventory and run a marketing push.

• Matched with two brokers and one specialist invoice finance lender.
• Outcome: merchant cash advance option offered rapid access to funds in 48 hours; asset finance option for equipment gave an alternative with lower monthly cost.
• Result: retailer selected a short-term working capital loan, restocked in time for peak season and repaid within agreed terms. (Illustrative only — outcomes vary.)

Why speed matters — timing your finance application

Businesses often need money quickly — for stock, seasonal peaks or to seize an expansion opportunity. Starting the matching process early gives you time to compare offers and complete due diligence without rushing into a costly product.

If you need an urgent response, state that in your enquiry and partners with fast-decision products will prioritise contact. Get Started Free Eligibility Check

How to prepare before you apply

Being organised speeds up lender decisions. Prepare:

• Financial documents: recent accounts, management accounts, and current business bank statements.
• Business summary: why you need funds, use of proceeds and a short cashflow forecast.
• Director details: ID and personal credit background if required.
• Asset information: if seeking asset or equipment finance, supply details and valuations.

Having these ready helps lenders provide accurate quotes faster.

Related finance solutions

If a standard business loan isn’t right, consider alternatives available through our network: invoice finance, asset finance, commercial mortgages, refinance solutions and sustainability loans. You can explore wider options through our site or start a Free Eligibility Check to see suitable matches.

FAQs — quick answers

Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?

No. Completing the Fast Business Loans enquiry form does not affect your business or director credit file. Lenders may perform credit checks only if you choose to proceed with an application and give consent.

What loan amounts can I compare?

Our partner network typically considers requests from £10,000 upwards. The exact upper limit depends on the lender and the opportunity — some partners can arrange multi-million pound facilities for suitable borrowers.

How quickly could funds be released?

Indicative offers are often available within hours; completion and funds release can take a few days to several weeks depending on the product complexity and security required.

Do you charge business owners to use your service?

No. Fast Business Loans is free for business owners to submit an enquiry. If a broker charges a fee, that will be disclosed by the broker before you agree to proceed.

Are you a lender or a financial adviser?

We are an introducer — we don’t lend money or provide regulated financial advice. We connect you with lenders and brokers who will discuss and, if appropriate, offer finance directly to you.

Can businesses previously refused a loan still get matched?

Yes — because our panel includes a range of specialist lenders and brokers, being refused by one provider doesn’t mean there’s no alternative. Complete the enquiry and we’ll match you where appetite exists.

Next steps & compliance footer

Ready to explore your options and get matched quickly? Complete our short enquiry now — it takes less than two minutes and is no-obligation. Free Eligibility Check

Important: Fast Business Loans is an introducer and does not provide lending or regulated financial advice. Submitting an enquiry is an information step to help match you to suitable lenders and brokers; any offer is subject to the lender’s assessment and terms. Ensure any borrowing is affordable for your business before agreeing to proceed.

1) How do small business loans work in the UK?
A small business loan provides funds for working capital or growth and is repaid over a set term, with options for secured or unsecured lending depending on your profile.

2) Is Fast Business Loans a lender?
No — we’re an introducer that connects UK SMEs and limited companies with trusted lenders and brokers; we don’t lend or give regulated financial advice.

3) Is the enquiry form an application?
No — it’s an information-only step used to match you with suitable providers, with no obligation to proceed.

4) Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No — your enquiry won’t affect your credit file, and any credit checks only occur if you choose to proceed with a lender and give consent.

5) What loan amounts and terms can I compare?
You can compare funding from £10,000 upwards, with terms ranging from a few months to several years depending on the product and risk.

6) How quickly can I get a decision and funding?
Many partners give indicative feedback within hours, while completion and funding can take from a couple of days to several weeks based on complexity and security.

7) Who is eligible for small business finance via your partners?
UK limited companies and incorporated businesses are considered, with many lenders preferring 12+ months trading (some accept less) subject to affordability and credit.

8) What types of business finance can you connect me with?
We match businesses to working capital loans, merchant cash advances, asset and equipment finance, invoice finance, commercial loans/refinance, fit-out, and sustainability funding.

9) What costs and rates should I expect?
Compare APR, arrangement fees, any early repayment charges, and security requirements, which vary by lender, product, and credit risk.

10) Do you charge a fee to use Fast Business Loans?
No — it’s free to submit an enquiry, and any broker or lender fees will be disclosed by the provider before you agree to proceed.