What is a cashflow loan & when does it help?

A cashflow loan (sometimes called short-term working capital or a cashflow facility) is designed to cover temporary funding gaps so your business can continue trading smoothly. Typical uses include:

• Paying staff and suppliers during seasonal lows
• Bridging delays between raising invoices and receiving payment
• Meeting urgent one-off costs (repair, compliance, stock)
• Covering unexpected short-term expenses while waiting for a larger facility

Cashflow solutions vary by structure — unsecured loans, short-term secured loans, revolving credit or invoice finance are common approaches. All finance is subject to lender assessment and affordability checks.

Why use Fast Business Loans for cashflow finance?

Searching for the right finance partner takes time. We fast-track that process by introducing your business to lenders and brokers who specialise in your sector and funding requirement. Here’s what sets us apart:

Speed

Our enquiry form takes under 2 minutes. Once submitted, suitable lenders/brokers typically respond within hours so you can start comparing offers quickly.

Wide panel of UK providers

We match you with multiple finance partners to improve your chances of receiving competitive quotes that suit your circumstances.

Sector experience

We connect you with specialists who understand sector-specific cashflow patterns — from hospitality and construction to e-commerce and manufacturing.

No obligation

Your enquiry is free and does not commit you to anything. We are an introducer, not a lender, and we do not provide regulated financial advice.

Get connected to trusted lenders — takes less than 2 minutes. No impact on credit score at enquiry stage.

How our cashflow loan matching works

Here’s how we help you find the right cashflow solution quickly:

1. Quick enquiry: You complete a short form with basic business and funding details (amount, term, purpose).
2. Matching: We match your details with lenders/brokers in our panel who specialise in cashflow lending for similar businesses.
3. Introductions: Selected partners contact you to discuss options, perform any soft checks and request documentation.
4. Compare & decide: Review offers and choose the lender or broker you want to proceed with. They handle the application to completion.

What this means for you: faster access to suitable quotes without the need to contact dozens of providers yourself.

Complete the 2-minute enquiry — we’ll match you to the best providers for your needs.

Cashflow loan eligibility: what lenders look for

Eligibility varies by lender, but the common criteria include:

• Minimum loan size: typically from around £10,000 upwards (lenders differ).
• Trading history: many lenders prefer at least 12 months trading, though some panel members consider newer companies with strong management accounts.
• Turnover and profitability: lenders assess revenue and margins to judge servicing ability.
• Credit history: credit events can be considered but options exist for businesses with previous issues.
• Documentation: recent bank statements, management accounts, details of existing borrowings and director information are commonly requested.

What if your business has limited trading history or adverse credit? Don’t assume you’re ineligible — our partners include brokers experienced in alternative cashflow funding routes. Submitting an enquiry does not affect your credit score.

Find out if you qualify — free, no obligation.

Cashflow funding options we can introduce you to

Different structures suit different needs. Common options include:

Unsecured short-term loans

Typical amounts: £10k–£250k. Terms: weeks to 24 months. Security: usually none, faster decisions but higher rates.

Revolving credit facilities / business overdrafts

Ideal for ongoing, variable needs. Flexible access and interest only on amounts drawn.

Invoice finance

Unlock cash tied up in unpaid invoices. Advance rates and facility fees vary. Read more about invoice-based cashflow solutions on our partners’ pages or ask for an invoice finance specialist when you enquire.

Asset-backed short-term loans

Use equipment, stock or property as security to access larger sums or lower rates for short-term needs.

For a deep dive into quick-working capital options and when invoice funding is appropriate, see our dedicated cashflow loans resource: cashflow loans.

Cashflow support for key UK sectors

Our partners serve many industries. Examples of typical cashflow challenges and solutions:

Construction

Challenge: staged payments and retention. Solution: short-term bridging and invoice finance to cover labour and material costs.

Hospitality & Retail

Challenge: seasonal peaks and stock purchasing. Solution: revolving facilities or short-term loans to smooth seasonal variance.

Manufacturing & Wholesale

Challenge: long supplier lead times. Solution: asset-backed loans and invoice finance to maintain supply chains.

E‑commerce

Challenge: fast growth requires quick stock funding. Solution: flexible short-term facilities or inventory finance.

Match with a sector specialist — tell us your sector and funding need.

Understanding costs, interest rates and repayments

Costs depend on the lender, product structure and business risk. Typical considerations:

• Interest rates and APRs: vary widely by product and security. Lenders will provide personalised illustrations.
• Arrangement or facility fees: one‑off or ongoing fees may apply.
• Early repayment charges: some lenders apply fees for repaying before term ends.
• Other costs: legal fees for secured facilities, valuation fees for assets, broker fees (if applicable) should be disclosed up front.

Responsible borrowing matters. Before committing, review total cost, repayment schedule and any security asked for. Lenders will assess affordability and provide final terms upon full application.

Transparency, data security & standards

Fast Business Loans is an introducer that connects businesses with lenders and brokers. We do not provide loans or regulated financial advice. Your enquiry is free and will not affect your credit file. We only share your information with partners who can help your request.

Your data is handled securely and only used to match your business with appropriate lenders and brokers. For full details see our privacy policy on the site.

Ready to secure the cashflow your business needs?

Getting started is quick. Have these items ready to speed up responses:

• Company name, registration number and contact details
• Amount required and intended use
• Recent management accounts and 3–6 months bank statements
• Details of existing borrowing (if any)

Complete the short enquiry now and we’ll match you with lenders and brokers who can provide quotes: Get Your Cashflow Loan Quotes Now. Takes less than 2 minutes. No obligation.

Frequently asked questions about cashflow loans

How quickly can I arrange a cashflow loan?

Introductory responses from brokers or lenders typically arrive within hours. Once documentation is supplied and the lender completes checks, some cashflow loans can complete in 48–72 hours, depending on the product and complexity.

Will making an enquiry affect my credit score?

Submitting an enquiry through Fast Business Loans does not affect your credit score. Individual lenders may perform credit checks at the formal application stage which could be recorded on your file.

What loan amounts are available?

We typically introduce businesses to loans from around £10,000 upwards. Our panel includes providers offering larger facilities depending on circumstances.

Is collateral always required?

Not always. Some short-term unsecured cashflow loans are available, but secured options (against assets or invoices) can provide access to larger sums or better rates. Lender requirements vary.

Can I apply with poor credit?

Some lenders and brokers specialise in cases where there has been previous adverse credit. Matching you to those partners is part of our service, but approval remains at the lender’s discretion.

Do you charge to connect me with lenders?

No. Fast Business Loans’ enquiry service is free. Any fees charged by a lender will be clearly disclosed by them before you sign an agreement.