Small Business Loans — Compare UK Options Fast
Running a small business is demanding enough without spending hours comparing lenders. Fast Business Loans connects UK companies with trusted brokers and lenders who understand your sector and needs. We’re not a lender and we don’t provide financial advice; we introduce you to suitable partners fast so you can compare your best options and decide with confidence. Our service is free to use, there’s no obligation to proceed, and submitting an enquiry won’t affect your credit score. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll connect you with professionals who can help — often within hours.
Start your free eligibility check
- Takes under 2 minutes
- No obligation
- No impact on your credit score to enquire
What is a Small Business Loan?
A small business loan is a type of business finance designed to provide working capital for SMEs and growing companies. Loans can be structured in different ways depending on your goals, affordability, and whether security is available.
- Unsecured loans: Based on your business profile and affordability, usually quicker to arrange, often with fixed terms and monthly repayments.
- Secured loans: Backed by assets such as property, equipment, or other collateral — typically for larger amounts or longer terms.
Common uses include:
- Bridging cash flow gaps and seasonality
- Buying stock, equipment, or vehicles
- Refurbishments and fit-outs
- Hiring staff and expanding premises
- Investing in sustainability upgrades (e.g., solar PV, EV chargers, heat pumps)
Rates, fees, and terms vary by lender and your circumstances. We help you connect with partners who can explain options clearly and provide a tailored quote.
Why Use Fast Business Loans
- Quick matching: Complete a short enquiry and we’ll connect you with suitable UK lenders and brokers.
- Better fit: Increase your chances of approval by speaking to partners who understand your sector.
- Compare in one place: Assess multiple options faster, without damaging your credit score to enquire.
- Real people: Speak with experienced finance professionals ready to help.
- Transparent and free: Our service is free for business owners/directors. There’s no pressure to proceed.
Important to know:
- We are not a lender and do not provide financial advice.
- Enquiries do not affect your credit score. If you proceed, lenders may run credit checks.
- Finance is subject to status, affordability, and lender criteria. Terms and fees apply.
How It Works
- Complete a quick enquiry
Share a few details about your company and the funding you need. It typically takes under 2 minutes. - We match you with trusted partners
Our platform connects you with selected UK lenders and brokers suited to your sector and needs. - Receive a rapid response
Expect a call or email shortly to discuss your options and next steps. - Compare, decide, and fund
Review available offers without obligation. Choose if and when you’re ready.
Types of Small Business Finance We Can Introduce You To
Every business is different. Through our panel, you may be able to explore:
- Unsecured business loans
- Secured business loans
- Asset finance
- Equipment finance
- Vehicle finance
- Invoice finance
- Merchant cash advance
- Refinance and consolidation
- Fit-out and refurbishment finance
- Sustainability loans (e.g., solar PV, EV charging, heat pumps)
Explore related options:
Who We Help
We commonly assist:
- Start-ups and micro companies needing early-stage working capital
- Established SMEs seeking growth funding
- Limited companies and LLPs
- Franchise owners and family businesses
Sectors we frequently support include construction, hospitality, healthcare, retail, e-commerce, transport and logistics, agriculture, engineering and manufacturing, printing and packaging, food and drink, and technology.
What Lenders Look For (Eligibility Basics)
Each lender has its own criteria, but common factors include:
- Time trading: Some consider businesses from day one; others prefer 6–24 months trading history.
- Turnover and cash flow: Stability and affordability of repayments.
- Profitability and projections: Especially for growth funding.
- Credit profile: Business and, where applicable, directors’ credit histories.
- Security: For secured loans, the quality and value of collateral.
- Sector fit: Lenders familiar with your industry can assess risk more accurately and may move faster.
Documents you may be asked for:
- Recent business bank statements (typically 3–6 months)
- Management accounts or filed accounts
- VAT returns (if registered)
- Photo ID and proof of address for directors
- A brief outline of how funds will be used
Check your eligibility — no impact on your credit score to enquire
Costs, Rates, and Repayments Explained
Costs can vary depending on loan type, amount, term, and your risk profile:
- Interest: Fixed or variable rates; some products use a factor rate.
- Fees: Arrangement or broker fees may apply. Your broker/lender will disclose any costs clearly.
- Terms: From a few months up to several years, depending on product and provider.
- Repayments: Typically monthly for loans; other products (like invoice finance or merchant cash advances) have different repayment mechanics.
Important:
- Late or missed payments can incur charges, affect your credit rating, and make obtaining future finance more difficult.
- Always review terms, fees, and total cost of borrowing before committing.
Use Cases: Real-World Examples
- Working capital boost: A growing online retailer secured an unsecured loan to buy seasonal stock ahead of a peak period.
- Equipment upgrade: A restaurant chain used equipment finance to spread the cost of new ovens and refrigeration over time.
- Cash flow stability: A manufacturing company used invoice finance to unlock cash tied up in outstanding invoices.
- Expansion project: A construction contractor arranged a secured loan for new vehicles and to onboard a larger contract.
Note: Examples are for illustration only. Your rate, terms, and eligibility depend on your circumstances.
How Fast Could I Get Funding?
Timelines vary by product and provider. Some lenders can give indicative decisions within hours and fund within days once documentation is complete. Secured or more complex cases may take longer. Submitting complete, accurate information helps speed things up. There’s no obligation to proceed — explore your options first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fast Business Loans a lender?
No. We’re an introducer. We connect you with trusted UK brokers and lenders who offer finance directly.
Does it cost anything to use your service?
No. It’s completely free for business owners/directors to submit an enquiry through our site.
Will enquiring affect my credit score?
No. Your enquiry with us does not affect your credit score. If you choose to proceed, lenders may run credit checks.
What loan amounts are available?
Our partners can consider funding from around £10,000 up to £5 million+, subject to status and the product chosen.
Can you help start-ups and small businesses?
Yes. Many partners specialise in supporting start-ups and SMEs, subject to eligibility.
What information do I need to provide?
Basic company details, contact information, the funding amount and purpose, plus typical documents like bank statements and ID.
How quickly will I hear back?
Often within a few hours during business hours. Complex cases may take longer.
Do you cover my industry?
Our panel supports a wide range of UK sectors including construction, hospitality, healthcare, retail, e-commerce, transport, agriculture, engineering, manufacturing, and more.
What if I’ve been refused elsewhere?
Because we work with a wide panel, you may still be eligible through another partner. There’s no obligation to proceed.
Start Your Free Eligibility Check
It takes less than 2 minutes:
- Click “Get Quote Now” or “Start Your Enquiry”
- Share a few details about your business and funding needs
- Get matched to trusted UK lenders and brokers
- Receive fast responses and compare options without pressure
Our Commitment to Clear, Fair and Not Misleading Information
Fast Business Loans is not a lender and does not provide financial advice. We act as an introducer, connecting UK businesses to professional brokers and lenders. We strive to ensure our information is clear, fair, and not misleading, and to protect your data. Enquiries via our site do not impact your credit score; however, our partners may conduct credit checks if you choose to proceed. All finance is subject to status, affordability checks, and lender criteria. Terms, conditions, and fees apply. Late or missed payments can have serious consequences for your business.
Related Guides and Finance Options
Contact Us
Prefer to speak to someone? Get in touch and we’ll guide you through the next step.
- Email: info@fastbusinessloans.net
- Quick form: Start your enquiry online
1) Are you a direct lender or a broker?
Fast Business Loans is not a lender; we connect UK businesses with trusted brokers and lenders who follow FCA guidelines.
2) How does the Fast Business Loans process work?
Complete a 2‑minute online enquiry, we instantly match you with suitable finance partners, and you choose the best option with no obligation.
3) How quickly will I hear back and how soon could funding happen?
You’ll typically receive a call or email within hours, and the speed of funding then depends on the lender and your circumstances.
4) Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No—your enquiry won’t affect your credit score, and any credit checks are only done by a lender if you decide to proceed.
5) What loan amounts can I access?
Our partners consider funding from around £5,000 up to £5 million or more, depending on eligibility and needs.
6) What types of business finance can you connect me with?
We match you to options including secured and unsecured business loans, cash flow loans, invoice finance, asset and equipment finance, vehicle finance, fit-out finance, refinance solutions, commercial finance, and sustainability loans.
7) Do you support start-ups, SMEs, or businesses declined elsewhere?
Yes—many partners specialise in start-ups and growing SMEs, and a previous decline doesn’t stop us matching you with alternative lenders.
8) Which industries do you support?
We work across sectors such as construction, hospitality, retail and e‑commerce, healthcare, agriculture, transport and logistics, manufacturing, professional services, and more.
9) What information do I need to provide to start an enquiry?
Just basic business and contact details plus the amount and type of finance you’re seeking—the form takes under 2 minutes.
10) Is your service free and are your partners regulated with secure data handling?
Yes—our service is free for business owners, we connect you only with vetted partners who follow FCA guidelines, and your data is handled securely and shared only with relevant providers.
