Small Business Loans for UK SMEs

Summary: Fast Business Loans helps UK limited companies and growing SMEs access business finance from £10,000 upwards by matching you with lenders and brokers suited to your sector and circumstances. Completing our short enquiry is not an application — it simply helps us identify the best partners to contact you with tailored quotes. Start a Free Eligibility Check to be matched quickly and confidentially.

Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

Why access to small business finance matters

Access to the right finance can be the difference between seizing a growth opportunity and stagnating. Many UK SMEs face seasonal cash flow gaps, supply chain pressure, the need to invest in new equipment or premises, or to refinance existing debt for better terms. Yet searching the market alone is time-consuming and often confusing — lenders use different criteria, and product names mask important differences in cost and speed.

Fast Business Loans helps streamline that search so you can quickly compare relevant options without multiple full applications. Our service helps you find solutions such as working capital, asset finance, invoice funding and term loans that fit your timeline and business plan.

Who we are & how we help

Fast Business Loans is a UK matching service that connects limited companies and growing SMEs with specialist lenders and brokers. We do not lend, and we do not provide regulated financial advice. Instead we introduce you to providers who can assess and deliver funding.

How our process works (4 steps)

1. Quick Enquiry: You tell us about your business and funding need (takes under 2 minutes).
2. We match you: We select lenders and brokers who are most likely to be able to help.
3. Rapid contact: Selected partners contact you to discuss options and next steps.
4. Compare & decide: Review offers and proceed with the lender or broker you choose.

Start Your Enquiry – Takes Less Than 2 Minutes

Types of small business loans we can introduce

Our partner panel provides a wide range of products for SMEs. Below is a concise guide to common options and when they might be suitable.

Unsecured business loans

Short- to medium-term loans with no specific asset taken as security. Good for working capital and smaller growth projects. Typical values start at £10,000 and may be suitable where owners prefer not to pledge assets. Responsible borrowing is essential — unsecured loans can carry higher rates than secured alternatives.

Secured loans & asset-backed finance

Loans secured against property, plant, or other assets often offer lower rates or larger amounts. Useful for larger investments or refinancing. Time to fund depends on valuation and legal work — typically slower than unsecured routes but can unlock larger facilities.

Working capital & cashflow loans

Designed to smooth payroll, supplier payments, seasonal demand, or short-term gaps. Can be overdrafts, short-term loans or invoice finance. Speed and flexibility vary by product — some solutions can provide funds within days.

Merchant cash advance & revenue-based finance

Repayments are tied to card takings or revenue. Helpful for hospitality and retail businesses with predictable card sales, but can be costly if turnover falls. Often rapid to arrange.

Invoice finance & factoring

Unlock cash tied up in unpaid invoices. Ideal for B2B companies waiting on slow-paying clients. Can be structured as invoice discounting (confidential) or factoring (third party manages collections).

Asset & equipment finance

Funding to acquire machinery, vehicles or IT, usually via hire purchase or leasing. Preserves cash while spreading cost over asset life; sometimes includes maintenance packages.

Start-up & early-stage funding

Some broker partners specialise in early-stage funding for growing companies, offering tailored working capital or asset finance. Minimums typically start at £10,000 — eligibility may vary by product and sector.

We’ll highlight likely timeframes and responsible borrowing tips when matching you with partners so you can compare speed, fees and total cost.

Eligibility snapshot & documentation checklist

Below is a quick eligibility snapshot. Exact criteria depend on the lender/broker and product.

• Trading history: Many providers require at least 6–12 months trading; some specialist partners work with younger companies.
• Turnover: Lenders consider turnover to size the facility — expectations vary by product.
• Credit profile: Directors’ and company credit histories are assessed; adverse credit is not always a bar.
• Security & assets: For secured options, acceptable collateral will be reviewed.

Typical documents to have ready

• Recent management accounts (last 3–12 months)
• Bank statements (3–6 months)
• Business plan or summary of how funds will be used
• Salary and director details, ID and contact information
• Details of existing loans and monthly repayments

Share Your Details – We’ll Match You

What to expect after you submit an enquiry

When you complete our enquiry form, we use the information to pick the most relevant lenders and brokers. Typical next steps:

• A partner may contact you by phone or email within hours on business days.
• Initial discussions assess eligibility and required documentation.
• Some partners may perform a soft credit search (no impact). Hard credit checks are only likely later with consent.
• Offers and indicative quotes will come directly from lenders/brokers — you decide whether to proceed.

Enquiries are confidential and non-binding. Completing the form does not guarantee funding.

Why UK SMEs choose Fast Business Loans

• Time saving: one short form — multiple matches.
• Sector-aware: we match you with providers experienced in your industry.
• Free to use: there’s no charge to submit an enquiry.
• Transparent: we explain next steps and that decisions rest with the lender/broker.

Responsible finance: key considerations before you borrow

Before taking on finance, assess affordability, the total cost (fees, interest and charges), and your business’s ability to meet repayments under changing conditions. Read all lender documentation carefully and consider independent professional advice if unsure. Fast Business Loans introduces providers but does not give regulated financial advice.

Preparing your business for a successful loan application

Practical steps to improve your chances:

• Produce up-to-date management accounts and cashflow forecasts.
• Reconcile bank statements and be ready to explain any large or unusual transactions.
• Prepare a concise summary of how the funds will be used and expected outcomes.
• Check company and director credit records and correct errors in advance.
• Gather asset or property information if you may use security.

Industry sectors we commonly support

Our partners work across many UK sectors including construction, hospitality, manufacturing, retail and logistics — and other specialist niches. If your business is seeking funding, we’ll match you to partners who understand your sector’s working rhythms and risks. For more detail on tailored options, read our broader guidance on small business loans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Start your free eligibility check

If your business needs funding from £10,000 upwards — for cash flow, expansion, equipment, or refinancing — complete our short enquiry. We’ll match you with brokers and lenders who best fit your needs and sector. The process is quick, confidential and there’s no obligation to proceed.

Get Your Small Business Loan Quote

Disclaimer: Fast Business Loans is an introducer and does not provide loans or regulated financial advice. Submitting an enquiry is not an application and does not guarantee funding. Lenders and brokers contacted may perform credit checks only with your consent.

– Are you a lender or broker?
Neither—we’re an introducer that matches UK SMEs with trusted lenders and finance brokers who provide the loan directly.

– Is the enquiry an application?
No—the form is a free, no-obligation eligibility check used only to match you with suitable providers.

– Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No; we don’t run credit checks and partners typically start with soft searches, with any hard check only if you choose to proceed.

– How fast can I get funding?
Many working capital and invoice finance facilities can complete in days, while larger secured loans take longer due to valuations and legal work.

– What loan amounts can you help me access?
We introduce business finance from £10,000 upwards, with the final amount based on product type, turnover, security and lender criteria.

– What types of small business finance can you introduce?
We match you to unsecured and secured business loans, working capital and cashflow loans, invoice finance, asset and equipment finance, and merchant cash advances.

– What are the basic eligibility requirements?
Lenders typically look for 6–12 months’ trading, sufficient turnover and a workable credit profile, though specialists may consider younger firms or adverse credit.

– What documents should I prepare to speed things up?
Have recent management accounts, 3–6 months’ bank statements, a use-of-funds plan, director ID/contact details and any existing loan information ready.

– Do you charge fees, and is there any obligation to proceed?
Our matching service is free and there’s no obligation; we may receive a commission from a partner if you take funding.

– Do you support start-ups or specific industries?
Yes—we connect start-ups and established UK limited companies across sectors like construction, hospitality, manufacturing, retail and logistics with sector-savvy lenders.