Why small business loans matter right now

For many UK SMEs, access to timely finance underpins survival and growth. From funding seasonal stock and payroll to investing in new equipment or a premises refit, the right loan can solve cash flow gaps and enable expansion. According to recent SME surveys, many businesses still cite cash flow and working capital as top constraints to growth.

What this means for you: a tailored finance match can reduce cost, speed up funding and avoid wasted applications with unsuitable lenders. If your business needs funding from around £10,000 and up, a quick introduction could speed things up. Free Eligibility Check.

How Fast Business Loans helps UK SMEs secure funding

We don’t provide loans — we help you find the lenders and brokers that do. Our service is free, no obligation and keeps the process simple.

1. Quick enquiry: You tell us a few facts about your company and funding need (under 2 minutes).
2. Targeted matching: We match you with lenders and brokers who specialise in your sector and loan type.
3. Rapid response: Partners contact you with options and quotes — often within hours.
4. Compare & decide: You review offers and choose the one that suits your business.

We aim to increase approval chances by only sharing your enquiry with partners suited to your profile. Start your enquiry now: Get Quote Now.

Types of small business loans we can help you access

Through our broker and lender panel you can get introduced to providers of a wide range of small business finance products. Common options include:

Unsecured & secured term loans

Fixed-term loans for growth or refinance. Secured loans typically require business or property security but can offer lower rates.

Short-term & cashflow finance

Short-term loans and overdrafts for immediate working capital needs — useful for seasonal businesses or bridging invoice timing gaps.

Asset & equipment finance

Hire purchase and lease arrangements to fund machinery, vehicles, catering or medical equipment without upfront capital outlay.

Invoice finance & merchant cash advance

Invoice discounting/factoring unlocks cash tied in unpaid invoices. Merchant cash advances provide lump sums repaid via card sales — often quicker but typically more expensive.

For a deeper overview of specialist options for smaller firms, see our pillar content on small business loans.

Free Eligibility Check — tell us the kind of finance you want and we’ll match you to suitable providers.

Who small business loans suit: common scenarios

Small business loans are suitable for a wide range of UK companies facing practical funding needs. Typical scenarios include:

• Established SMEs investing in expansion, new premises or hiring.
• Retailers and e‑commerce businesses needing seasonal stock finance.
• Hospitality businesses funding fit-outs, refurbishments or new equipment.
• Manufacturers upgrading machinery or replacing vehicles.

Case vignette

A regional café group needed £45,000 for new kitchen equipment and a small refit. After a short enquiry, we introduced them to two brokers specialising in hospitality finance. One broker secured a competitive asset finance package and the café completed the purchase within five working days.

If this sounds like your situation, Match me with lenders.

Eligibility criteria & documents lenders typically request

Eligibility varies by lender and product, but most will ask for the following from limited companies and SMEs:

• Minimum trading history (often 6–12 months, depending on product).
• Annual turnover and recent management accounts.
• Business bank statements (usually 3–6 months).
• Details of existing debt or director guarantees, if applicable.
• Evidence of contracts, invoices or purchase orders for growth-related lending.

Improving your approval odds

• Keep business accounts and bank statements tidy and up to date.
• Ask for realistic loan amounts aligned to your cashflow.
• Prepare basic cashflow projections showing how you’ll repay the loan.
• Disclose any previous adverse credit — lenders prefer transparency.

Every lender sets its own rules; we’ll match you to partners best suited to your trading profile.

Costs, rates and repayment considerations

Interest rates and total costs vary widely with the product, term, security and your business profile. Factors that affect price include:

• Type of loan (secured vs unsecured, invoice finance, asset hire purchase).
• Your business’ credit history and turnover.
• Loan term and repayment structure (monthly, weekly, repayment on sale of asset).
• Upfront or arrangement fees, early repayment charges and any broker fees.

Always compare the total cost of credit (including fees) and ask for APR or representative examples where possible. If you’d like personalised comparisons, Request a personalised quote and we’ll connect you to lenders who will provide costed options.

Fast Business Loans vs searching alone

Searching for finance yourself takes time and can lead to unsuitable applications. Using an introducer like Fast Business Loans offers:

• Faster, targeted matches to lenders/brokers who understand your sector.
• Fewer wasted applications — you only speak to providers that fit your profile.
• Soft initial checks that won’t affect your credit score.
• Access to specialist lenders that may not appear in general search results.

“A café owner secured equipment finance in five days after using our matching service.”

Want the faster route? Get My Quote.

How to use our Free Eligibility Checker

Completeing the checker is quick and straightforward:

1. Click “Free Eligibility Check” and enter basic business details, loan amount and purpose.
2. Choose preferred contact method and provide a primary contact.
3. We review your enquiry and match you to relevant lenders/brokers.
4. Expect a response from partners — usually within hours during business days.

What happens after you submit?

We share your enquiry with selected partners only. A lender or broker will contact you to discuss options and (if appropriate) request supporting documents. You are under no obligation to proceed with any offer.

Start your Free Eligibility Check — it takes less than 2 minutes.

Why businesses trust our introducer service

Our value to UK SMEs is simple: speed, relevance and transparency. We partner with finance brokers and lenders experienced across industries — construction, hospitality, manufacturing, logistics and more — to give businesses access to appropriate funding options without the hassle of searching through dozens of providers.

We follow clear principles: no misleading claims, secure handling of your data and honest communication about what to expect when you enquire.

Questions? Call or email our support team, or start an enquiry now: Get Quote Now.

Frequently Asked Questions about small business loans

Do small business loan enquiries affect my credit score?

Not at enquiry stage. Our introductions are based on a soft check which does not affect credit. Lenders may perform hard checks later if you progress a formal application.

How quickly could funds be released?

Times vary: invoice and merchant cash advances can be same-day or within 24–48 hours; asset finance and term loans may take several days to a few weeks depending on documentation and security.

What borrowing amounts are available?

Our partners typically offer business loans from around £10,000 and up — many lenders also support much larger facilities for established businesses.

Can I apply with adverse credit?

Possibly. We work with brokers and lenders that specialise in cases where credit history is imperfect. Be transparent about past issues to get the best match.

Do I need to offer security?

Some products require security (e.g., property or asset-backed lending); others are unsecured but may cost more. We’ll match you to appropriate options based on your needs.

Is there any obligation if I enquire?

No. Submitting an enquiry is free and without obligation — you only proceed if you choose to accept a lender’s offer.

Enquire now for tailored options.

Ready to explore your small business loan options?

If your business needs £10,000 or more to grow, refurbish, buy equipment or manage cashflow, our simple matching service can save you time and increase your chances of a good outcome. Complete our short enquiry and we’ll connect you with specialist lenders and brokers who can provide real quotes.

Get Started — Free Eligibility Check