Small Business Loans – Compare Trusted UK Lenders in Minutes
Summary: Fast Business Loans helps UK limited companies and SMEs find business finance from around £10,000 up to multi‑million facilities. We don’t lend — we match your business to suitable lenders and brokers so you can compare no‑obligation offers quickly. Complete a short eligibility check and we’ll connect you with the right partners who will contact you with quotes.
Why UK Small Businesses Choose Fast Business Loans
When cash flow, seasonal stock, or growth plans can’t wait, speed and relevance matter. Fast Business Loans saves time by connecting your business with lenders and brokers who specialise in your sector and funding need.
- Fast matches: Submit a short enquiry and receive contact from relevant partners — often within hours.
- Sector expertise: We match you with providers who understand your industry and risk profile.
- No obligation: The enquiry is not an application — it simply helps us find the best providers to contact you.
- Free to use: Businesses do not pay to use our matching service.
- Minimum finance: We typically arrange funding from around £10,000 and above.
Fast Business Loans acts only as an introducer — we do not lend or provide regulated financial advice. You’ll deal directly with the lender or broker who contacts you.
Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check
How Our Small Business Loan Matching Works
Our process is designed to be quick, transparent and to protect your credit profile during initial matching.
Step 1: Share your requirements
Complete a short form (typically under 2 minutes). Tell us about your company, the amount you need, the purpose of the finance and contact details.
Step 2: We match you with brokers and lenders
We use your details to select partner lenders/brokers who specialise in your size, sector and product need. This increases the chance of receiving relevant offers.
Step 3: Compare offers and decide
Matched partners will contact you with options. Review terms and ask questions — there’s no obligation to proceed with any offer.
Step 4: Typical funding timelines
Timelines depend on product: some unsecured working capital or merchant cash advances can be completed in 24–72 hours; secured or larger facilities can take 2–6 weeks. Your matched broker/lender will advise realistic timings.
Small Business Loan Options Available Through Our Panel
Our panel includes providers offering a wide range of business finance. Typical amounts run from around £10,000 up to £5m+ depending on product and security.
Unsecured working capital loans
Shorter-term loans to support cash flow without requiring property or major assets as security. Terms often 6 months to 5 years. Suitable for managing payroll, stock, or short-term gaps.
Secured loans & asset-backed finance
Lower rates are often available when security such as property, plant or invoices is offered. Asset finance allows you to buy machinery or vehicles while spreading cost.
Overdraft alternatives & revolving credit
Flexible facilities give access to cash when needed. Revolving credit can be more cost-effective for businesses with variable cash needs compared with repeatedly reapplying for one‑off loans.
Invoice finance & merchant cash advance
Unlock cash from unpaid invoices or future card takings. Useful to smooth working capital without additional long-term borrowing.
| Product | Typical amount | Typical term |
|---|---|---|
| Unsecured working capital | £10k–£250k | 6 months–5 years |
| Asset / equipment finance | £10k–£2m+ | 1–7 years |
| Secured property loan | £50k–£5m+ | 2–25 years |
| Invoice finance | £25k–£3m+ | Ongoing facilities |
For a broader overview of typical options and product detail, see our pillar page on small business loans.
Who Our Small Business Loan Partners Support
We match businesses across a wide range of sectors — from retailers and hospitality to construction and manufacturing. Below are common sectors our partners serve.
- Construction & trades
- Retail & e‑commerce
- Hospitality & leisure
- Healthcare & clinics
- Manufacturing & engineering
- Logistics & transport
- Professional services
- Franchises & multi‑site businesses
“Customer feedback provided to partner broker, anonymised: We secured a £50k seasonal stock loan in under 72 hours — the process was clear and fast.” — Retail boutique, South East
Eligibility Snapshot & Typical Documentation
Trading history & turnover
Many lenders prefer at least 12 months trading and demonstrable turnover, though specialist lenders consider newer companies. Amount and product determine requirements.
Credit considerations
Different lenders have different views on credit history. Early matching uses basic information and typically soft checks; formal lender checks occur later if you proceed.
Documentation
Common documents requested include:
- Recent business bank statements (3–6 months)
- Management accounts or historic accounts
- Details of directors/shareholders and identification
- Information on assets offered as security (if relevant)
Submitting an enquiry does not impact your credit score. Matched lenders may carry out formal credit searches only with your consent.
Comparing Costs: What to Ask Your Lender
Costs vary widely. Always ask for a full breakdown so you can compare like‑for‑like.
- Representative APR or interest rate range
- Arrangement or facility fees
- Early repayment or settlement fees
- Security or valuation costs
- Ongoing charges (maintenance, renewal)
Key questions to ask: “What is the total cost over the term?”, “Are fees added to the loan or payable upfront?”, “Are there penalties for early repayment?”
For impartial guidance on borrowing responsibly see the FCA consumer guidance and for market trends refer to the British Business Bank.
Why Acting Quickly Matters for SMEs
Delays can mean missed supplier discounts, inability to meet payroll or lost growth opportunities. Quick access to finance helps you seize opportunities or navigate short-term pressures.
Waiting too long can mean…
- Lost sales or cancelled orders
- Damaged supplier relationships
- Higher emergency finance costs
Acting today can help you…
- Secure stock and supplier terms
- Invest in growth or equipment
- Improve cash flow predictability
Our Commitment to Fair, Clear and Not Misleading Information
We follow principles of clarity and transparency: plain language, honest explanations of what our service provides and clear signposting to lenders’ full terms.
- We do not promise approvals or specific rates.
- Your data is shared only with selected partners who can help with your request.
- Our service is free to businesses — we are paid by partners when an introduction leads to completed finance.
Data and consent: by submitting an enquiry you consent to your details being shared with potential lenders/brokers to discuss funding options.
Success Stories from UK Small Businesses
Retail boutique — Seasonal stock
Challenge: Needed £50,000 quickly for seasonal stock. Solution: Matched with a broker offering a short-term working capital loan. Outcome: Funds in 72 hours; sales target met.
Construction contractor — Plant purchase
Challenge: Replace ageing plant without straining cash flow. Solution: Asset finance arranged over 5 years. Outcome: Improved productivity and preserved working capital.
Restaurant chain — Refurbishment
Challenge: Fund multi-site refurb. Solution: Secured facility sourced via panel. Outcome: Staggered funding allowed phased works; revenue growth followed.
Case studies reflect outcomes achieved by partner brokers/lenders; individual results vary.
Frequently Asked Questions about Small Business Loans
What’s the minimum/maximum I can borrow?
Typical minimums start around £10,000. Maximums vary by lender and product — many partners offer up to £5m or more for established businesses.
How fast can funds be released?
Some short-term facilities can fund within 24–72 hours; larger or secured loans usually take several weeks. The matched provider will give an estimate.
Will I need security?
It depends on the product and lender. Unsecured loans are available for smaller amounts; larger or lower‑rate facilities often require security.
Do you work with start-ups?
Yes — our panel includes specialists who consider a range of trading histories. Requirements vary by lender and product.
What credit score is required?
Criteria vary. Different lenders focus on different factors; some specialise in businesses with imperfect credit. Initial enquiries don’t trigger a credit search.
Do you charge fees?
No. Fast Business Loans does not charge businesses to use our matching service. Any fees will be disclosed by the lender/broker in the offer.
How does repayment work?
Repayment terms depend on product: fixed monthly repayments for loans, rolling fees for invoice finance, or merchant repayments linked to card takings. Confirm with the lender.
Can I apply after being declined elsewhere?
Yes. Different lenders have different criteria — it’s often worth submitting an enquiry so specialists can consider your case.
Will applying affect my credit rating?
No — completing our enquiry is a soft initial check and does not affect your credit score. Formal lender credit checks occur only if you progress.
How do I get started?
Get Started — Free Eligibility Check. Complete the short form and we’ll match you to suitable lenders and brokers.
Ready to Explore Your Small Business Loan Options?
Save time and uncover relevant funding options from around £10,000 upwards. Complete a quick, no‑obligation enquiry and we’ll connect you to lenders and brokers who can help.
Start Your Enquiry Now — Free Eligibility Check
Learn more about Fast Business Loans • Construction loans • Restaurant loans
– Is Fast Business Loans a lender?
No—Fast Business Loans is a free UK introducer that matches your business with trusted lenders and brokers via a quick eligibility check.
– Is the enquiry form an application?
No—the enquiry is not a loan application; it simply provides information to match you with suitable lenders or brokers who will contact you with quotes.
– How much can I borrow with a small business loan?
Funding typically starts around £10,000 and can reach £5 million+ depending on the product, security, and your business profile.
– How fast can I get funding?
Some unsecured loans or merchant cash advances can fund in 24–72 hours, while larger secured facilities usually take 2–6 weeks.
– Will completing the eligibility check affect my credit score?
No—our initial matching uses soft checks and lenders run formal searches only if you decide to proceed.
– Do you charge fees for using the service?
No—our matching service is free for businesses, and any lender or broker fees will be clearly disclosed in their offer.
– What types of finance can you match me with?
We connect UK SMEs to unsecured and secured business loans, revolving credit, asset and equipment finance, invoice finance, and merchant cash advances.
– What eligibility and documents are typically required?
Many lenders prefer at least 12 months’ trading and commonly request 3–6 months’ bank statements, accounts, director ID, and any security details.
– Can you help start-ups or businesses with poor credit or those declined elsewhere?
Yes—our panel includes specialists for start-ups and varied credit profiles, so it’s often worth enquiring even after a decline.
– How do I compare costs and rates between offers?
Ask each lender for APR/interest, arrangement and ongoing fees, early repayment terms, and the total cost over the term so you can compare like-for-like.
