Small Business Loans: Compare Fast Funding Options for UK SMEs

Summary: If your UK business needs finance from £10,000 upwards, Fast Business Loans helps you find suitable lenders and brokers quickly. We’re an introducer — not a lender — and our free, no‑obligation enquiry connects you with providers that fit your sector and needs. Complete a short form and receive matched quotes and contact from vetted finance partners. Get started with a Free Eligibility Check.

Why UK Small Businesses Turn to Fast Business Loans

Cash flow, seasonal demand, equipment needs and expansion plans often require fast, practical finance. But searching the market is time-consuming and confusing. That’s where we help.

A faster route to tailored funding

We match your enquiry to lenders and brokers who specialise in the facility you need. That shortens the search time and increases the chance of relevant offers.

Transparent, no‑obligation matching

We don’t charge you. We share your details only with partners suited to your requirement and you decide whether to proceed. Want to see your options? Get a Free Eligibility Check.

What Counts as a Small Business Loan?

“Small business loan” is an umbrella term covering facilities used for working capital, asset purchase, bridging, growth or refinancing. Typical uses include:

• Working capital to cover payroll and suppliers
• Buying stock or seasonal inventory
• Purchasing machinery, vehicles or IT
• Refurbishment, premises expansion or fit-outs
• Refinancing or consolidating existing finance

Features vary: secured vs unsecured, fixed or variable rates, term lengths, and repayment profiles. Representative terms depend on each lender’s underwriting.

Types of Small Business Financing We Can Introduce

Below are common facility types our partners provide. For each we note typical loan sizes, use-case and speed as a guide only.

Unsecured Term Loans

Typical sizes: £10,000–£250,000. Use-cases: growth projects, working capital. Turnaround: days–2 weeks. Requirements: trading history, turnover and affordability checks.

Secured Loans (Property / Asset Backed)

Typical sizes: £50,000–£5m+. Use-cases: major investment or refinancing. Turnaround: 2–6 weeks. Requirements: security (property/assets), valuations, stronger credit or servicing evidence.

Revolving Credit & Overdraft Alternatives

Typical sizes: £10,000–£500,000. Use-cases: ongoing cashflow flexibility. Turnaround: days–weeks. Requirements: bank statements, business performance history.

Merchant Cash Advance & Revenue-Based Finance

Typical sizes: £10,000–£250,000. Use-cases: retail, hospitality, e‑commerce with card/online takings. Turnaround: 24–72 hours. Requirements: payment processing history, daily/weekly repayments possible.

Invoice Finance (Factoring & Discounting)

Typical sizes: facility against outstanding invoices. Use-cases: free-up cash tied to debtor invoices. Turnaround: days–2 weeks. Requirements: quality of debtor book, sales ledger details.

Asset & Equipment Finance

Typical sizes: £10,000–£1m. Use-cases: buy or lease plant, vehicles, machinery. Turnaround: days–2 weeks. Requirements: supplier quotes, asset details.

Short-Term Cashflow Loans & Bridging

Typical sizes: £10,000–£1m. Use-cases: bridge payments between contracts, urgent supplier bills. Turnaround: 24–72 hours for specialist providers. Requirements: clear exit strategy.

Need a specific facility? Get Matched in Minutes.

Eligibility at a Glance

Common criteria our lender partners consider

• Minimum trading history (varies by lender)
• Annual turnover and profitability
• Business bank statements showing cashflow
• Credit profile for the company and directors
• Availability of collateral for secured products

Supporting start-ups & younger businesses

Some specialist funders consider businesses under 12 months trading when provided with robust forecasts, a clear business plan and director support. Tell us your situation in the enquiry — we’ll try to match you to partners who can help.

Situations where we can still help

Bad credit, recent growth, or sector-specific risks don’t always mean “no”. Our panel includes lenders and brokers experienced in complex cases — start with an enquiry to find out.

Check Your Eligibility (It Won’t Affect Your Credit Score)

How Our 4-Step Enquiry Process Works

1. Share basic details: A short online form asking about your business, funding amount (from £10,000), and contact preference. It takes about 2 minutes.
2. Receive tailored introductions: We match your request to lenders/brokers that understand your sector and facility need.
3. Speak to verified partners: A broker or lender may request documents and provide indicative terms.
4. Compare offers and decide: Review quotes with no obligation and proceed directly with the lender/broker you choose.

We act as an introducer only — you decide whether to apply. Start Your Enquiry Now.

What Documents Should You Prepare?

• Business bank statements (last 3–6 months)
• Latest management accounts or filed accounts
• VAT returns (if applicable)
• Business plan and cashflow forecasts (especially for younger businesses)
• Details of existing finance agreements
• Director ID and proof of address

Documents required vary by lender — your matched partner will confirm exactly what’s needed.

Understanding Costs & Responsible Borrowing

Interest rates & fees explained

Rates and fees differ by lender and product. Some charge arrangement fees, setup fees or early repayment charges. Always check APR, total cost of credit and repayment schedule.

Representative example

Example (illustrative only): Borrow £50,000 over 36 months at a notional 12% APR could mean monthly repayments and fees that vary by lender — actual terms depend on credit assessment and product.

Fast Business Loans does not provide financial advice — seek independent advice if unsure.

Small Business Loan Timeline – What to Expect

Quick funding (24–72 hours)

Merchant cash advances, some unsecured facilities and specialist short-term lenders can fund rapidly once documents are supplied.

Medium turnarounds (1–2 weeks)

Asset finance and many unsecured or secured term loans typically take longer, depending on underwriting and valuations.

Factors affecting speed

Completeness of documentation, sector complexity, property valuations and director checks are common influences on timing.

Need funding on a deadline? Enquire today.

Success Stories & Sector Snapshots

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

• Keep management accounts up to date and reconciled.
• Provide clear use of funds — lenders like to see a plan.
• Provide 3–6 months of bank statements to show trading patterns.
• Explain any adverse credit or county court judgments up front.
• Prepare accurate forecasts if you’re a younger business.
• Consolidate and summarise outstanding finance for easy review.
• Ensure directors’ ID and addresses are ready to upload.
• Be honest about seasonal dips or contract timing — it helps find the right product.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Explore Your Funding Options?

Fast Business Loans speeds up the search for business finance by introducing you to lenders and brokers who can help. It’s quick, free and without obligation.

• Complete a short enquiry (2 minutes)
• Get matched to suitable partners
• Receive quotes and choose the best option

Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

Learn more about our small business lending options on our industry page for small business loans.

– Are you a lender or broker?
Fast Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender — we connect UK SMEs with trusted lenders and brokers.

– Is the enquiry form a loan application or a commitment to proceed?
The enquiry is not a loan application and carries no obligation to proceed.

– How quickly will I hear back and how fast could funding be arranged?
You’ll typically be contacted within a few hours during business hours, and some products can fund in 24–72 hours once documents are supplied and checks are complete.

– Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No — your enquiry won’t affect your credit score, though lenders may run checks later if you choose to apply.

– What loan amounts are available through your partners?
Our partners consider funding from around £10,000 upwards, with some secured options reaching £5m+ depending on circumstances.

– What types of small business finance can you introduce me to?
We match UK SMEs with unsecured and secured term loans, revolving credit/overdraft alternatives, merchant cash advances, invoice finance, asset and equipment finance, and short-term cashflow or bridging loans.

– What are the main eligibility criteria lenders consider?
Lenders typically look at trading history, turnover and profitability, business bank statements, credit profile of the company/directors, and available collateral for secured products.

– Can start-ups or businesses with bad credit or previous declines still enquire?
Yes — specialist funders on our panel may help start-ups or those previously declined, especially with solid forecasts, a clear plan, or suitable security.

– What documents should I prepare to speed up the process?
Common requests include 3–6 months of business bank statements, recent accounts or management figures, VAT returns (if applicable), business plan and cashflow forecasts, details of existing finance, and director ID/address.

– What will a loan cost and are there any fees to use your service?
Our service is free and no-obligation, while loan rates and fees vary by lender and product — always review the APR, total cost of credit, fees, and any early repayment charges before proceeding.