Is a Merchant Cash Advance Right for My Seasonal Shop?

Get Your Free Business Loan Match

Our Business Finance Matching Process

Step 1

Complete Your Details

It takes just 1 minute on average to complete your business and contact details.

Step 2

We Match Your Business

With the best business finance broker or lender most suitable for your needs.

Step 3

You Get Free Quote + Advice

You receive a free quote along with complimentary expert financial advice.

It’s fast and free to get a quote from one of the UK’s leading finance brokers / lenders who will contact you directly with your quote/s.

Retail Business Loans & Finance Solutions

Summary: If you run a retail shop, boutique, convenience store or online retail business and need funding of £10,000 or more, Fast Business Loans can quickly match you with lenders and brokers who specialise in retail finance. We don’t lend or give regulated financial advice — we introduce you to the best-fit providers based on your needs, trading history and goals. Complete a quick enquiry to get a free, no-obligation eligibility check and receive matched quotes by phone or email. Get Started – Free Eligibility Check

Why Retailers Choose Fast Business Loans

  • Sector-focused matching: we connect you with lenders and brokers experienced in retail — stock, fit-out, POS and seasonal funding.
  • Speed and simplicity: a short enquiry takes under 2 minutes, with fast responses from matched providers.
  • Free & no obligation: our service for business owners is free — you decide whether to proceed with any offer.
  • Privacy-first: your details are handled securely and shared only with relevant partners who can help.
  • Wide range of options: from unsecured loans to asset finance and invoice funding for retailers needing £10,000 and above.

Get Quote Now

How Our Retail Finance Matching Works

Step 1 – Tell Us About Your Retail Business

Complete our short enquiry form with basic information. Typical details we ask for:

Our Business Finance Matching Process

Step 1

Complete Your Details

It takes just 1 minute on average to complete your business and contact details.

Step 2

We Match Your Business

With the best business finance broker or lender most suitable for your needs.

Step 3

You Get Free Quote + Advice

You receive a free quote along with complimentary expert financial advice.

It’s fast and free to get a quote from one of the UK’s leading finance brokers / lenders who will contact you directly with your quote/s.

  • Amount required and purpose (stock, refurb, POS, working capital)
  • Trading history and annual turnover
  • Business structure (limited company etc.) and contact details

Step 2 – We Pair You with Retail-Focused Brokers & Lenders

We use your brief to match you with lenders and brokers who specialise in retail finance. Matches are selected for relevance — not all lenders suit every business, so we prioritise those most likely to provide a competitive response.

Complete Our 1-Minute Enquiry Form Now – Get a No-Obligation Quote

Enquiry stage: no credit searches are carried out by us and submitting an enquiry will not affect your business credit profile. Lenders may conduct checks later if you proceed.

Step 3 – Compare Offers & Choose with Confidence

Matched providers will contact you with quotes and next steps. You can compare rates, fees and terms directly with them and decide which option suits you best. There’s no obligation to accept any offer.

Complete Our 1-Minute Enquiry Form Now – Get a No-Obligation Quote

Free Eligibility Check in Under 2 Minutes

Retail Finance Scenarios We Help With

Retail businesses use finance for many purposes. Here are common scenarios where we can help match you quickly:

  • Inventory & Stock Finance – seasonal restock, buying in bulk for promotions or new product ranges.
  • Shop Fit-Out & Refurbishment Loans – modernise fixtures, lighting, shelving or create an improved customer experience.
  • Technology & POS Upgrades – new EPOS systems, e-commerce integrations, tablets and barcode scanners.
  • Working Capital for Seasonal Peaks – bridge gaps during busier months or cover supplier terms.
  • Expansion to New Premises or Online – funds for deposit, fit-out or digital migration costs.
  • Bridging Cash Flow Gaps – short-term bridging until payment cycles complete.

Funding Options Available for Retailers

Depending on your needs and security available, matched providers may offer:

Complete Our 1-Minute Enquiry Form Now – Get a No-Obligation Quote

Unsecured Business Loans

Flexible, quick to arrange for established businesses. Typical amounts: from £10,000 upwards; terms vary.

Secured Loans

Lower rates are possible if property or business assets are offered as security. Suitable for larger borrowing or longer terms.

Merchant Cash Advance (Card Receivables Funding)

Advance against future card sales — fast access to cash for retailers with steady card turnover.

Invoice Finance

Release cash tied up in business-to-business invoices — useful for retailers supplying trade customers.

Our Business Finance Matching Process

Step 1

Complete Your Details

It takes just 1 minute on average to complete your business and contact details.

Step 2

We Match Your Business

With the best business finance broker or lender most suitable for your needs.

Step 3

You Get Free Quote + Advice

You receive a free quote along with complimentary expert financial advice.

It’s fast and free to get a quote from one of the UK’s leading finance brokers / lenders who will contact you directly with your quote/s.

Complete Our 1-Minute Enquiry Form Now – Get a No-Obligation Quote

Our Business Finance Matching Process

Step 1

Complete Your Details

It takes just 1 minute on average to complete your business and contact details.

Step 2

We Match Your Business

With the best business finance broker or lender most suitable for your needs.

Step 3

You Get Free Quote + Advice

You receive a free quote along with complimentary expert financial advice.

It’s fast and free to get a quote from one of the UK’s leading finance brokers / lenders who will contact you directly with your quote/s.

Asset & Equipment Finance

Spread the cost of fixtures, refrigeration, vans or technology over time while preserving cash flow.

Bridging Finance & Short-Term Loans

Short-duration funding for urgent needs; repay on completion of a sale or refinance.

Product availability, rates and terms depend on provider assessment and may vary by business.

Eligibility Snapshot

CriteriaTypical Expectations*
Minimum Trading History6–12 months (some lenders accept shorter trading for specialist solutions)
Annual TurnoverFrom around £50,000; varies by lender and product
Credit ProfileAll profiles considered; options exist for adverse credit but terms vary
SecuritySecured and unsecured options available
AmountsFrom £10,000 to several million (depending on lender)
Repayment TermsShort-term (months) to longer-term (up to 7+ years depending on product)

*Each provider sets its own criteria; assessment is case-by-case.

Check My Eligibility – No Credit Impact

What You’ll Need to Provide

Your broker or lender will confirm exact requirements, but commonly requested documents include:

  • Recent business bank statements (typically 3–6 months)
  • Management accounts or profit & loss statements
  • Business plan or cashflow forecast for larger facilities
  • ID and proof of trading address for directors
  • EPOS/card settlement reports for merchant cash advances

All information is handled securely and only shared with matched providers as part of the enquiry process.

Retailer Case Scenarios

Boutique Clothing Store – Seasonal Stock Injection

Challenge: popular autumn collection needed an extra £30,000 to buy stock in advance of peak season. Solution: matched with a lender offering short-term unsecured funding and flexible repayment timed to seasonal sales. Outcome: additional stock arrived in time and sales increased, enabling an early repayment without penalty.

Convenience Shop – Refrigeration & Fit-Out Upgrade

Challenge: ageing refrigeration required replacement; cost £45,000. Solution: asset finance match split the cost over 4 years, preserving working capital. Outcome: upgraded equipment increased product range and reduced operating costs.

Online Retailer – Bridging Finance During Platform Migration

Challenge: migrating platforms temporarily impacted sales; suppliers still required payment. Solution: short-term bridging loan secured against stock, repaid once platform migration completed and sales recovered.

Speak to a Retail Finance Specialist

Retail Funding FAQs

How quickly can we receive funds?

Timescales depend on product. Some providers can fund within a few days; others (secured lending or property finance) take longer. Your matched broker will advise expected timelines.

Do you support chains and single shops?

Yes — we work with lenders who serve single-site retailers and multi-site operators. Match depends on the size and structure of the business.

Will enquiry affect my credit score?

No — submitting an enquiry through Fast Business Loans does not affect your credit score. Lenders may carry out checks later if you proceed with an application.

Can I apply if I’ve been declined elsewhere?

Yes — our panel includes specialist lenders who may consider applications others declined. Each case is different; we’ll match you to the most relevant partners.

Are there broker fees or hidden costs?

Any fees charged by brokers or lenders will be disclosed before you commit. Our service is free for business owners to use.

Why Work with Fast Business Loans

  • Free to use and no obligation to proceed
  • Focused on retail — we know the funding types retailers commonly need
  • Quick matching saves time and increases your chance of a suitable offer
  • Secure handling of data and clear next steps
  • Human support — you’ll speak with finance professionals who understand retail

For more sector-specific information, see our Retailers & Shop Business Loans page for guides and examples: Retailers & Shop Business Loans.

Start Your Enquiry

Resources & Guides for Retail Finance Planning

  • Retail finance checklist — a short planning guide covering cashflow, forecasts and documents to prepare before applying.
  • British Retail Consortium — industry news and best practice for UK retailers.
  • British Business Bank — guidance on finance options for SMEs and government-backed schemes.

Next Steps – Secure the Right Finance for Your Shop

Ready to see what funding you could access? Complete our short enquiry and we’ll match you with the most relevant lenders and brokers. It takes under two minutes and won’t affect your credit profile. We’ll only share your details with partners who can help with the finance you need.

Get Started – Match Me with Retail Lenders

Submitting an enquiry will not affect your credit score. Any offers are subject to lender assessment, status and affordability checks.


Footer — Important Information

Fast Business Loans is a trading style of Fast Business Loans Ltd. We do not provide loans and we do not give regulated financial advice. We act as an introducer, connecting businesses with lenders and brokers who may be able to provide finance. All finance is provided subject to the provider’s terms, status and affordability checks. Fees payable to brokers or lenders will be disclosed by them before you commit. Information on this page is for guidance only and should not be considered financial advice.

1) Q: What is Fast Business Loans and are you a lender? A: We’re a free introducer (not a lender) that matches UK retailers with suitable brokers and lenders via a quick, no‑obligation eligibility enquiry.

2) Q: Will filling out the enquiry form affect my credit score? A: No—our enquiry has no credit impact; lenders may run checks only if you decide to proceed.

3) Q: What loan amounts can retail businesses access? A: Funding typically starts from £10,000 and can reach several million, depending on the lender, product and your business profile.

4) Q: How fast can retailers get funded? A: Many unsecured loans or merchant cash advances can fund within days, while secured or property-backed facilities usually take longer.

5) Q: What types of retail finance can you match me with? A: We can match you with unsecured and secured business loans, merchant cash advances, invoice finance, asset/equipment finance, and short‑term bridging loans.

6) Q: What are the basic eligibility requirements for retail business loans? A: Lenders often look for 6–12 months’ trading and around £50k+ turnover, but criteria vary and all credit profiles are considered.

7) Q: Do you support single shops, chains and online retailers? A: Yes—whether you run a single-site shop, multi-site chain or e‑commerce store, we’ll connect you to retail‑focused providers.

8) Q: Is security required for a retail business loan? A: Not always—both secured and unsecured options exist, with security potentially lowering rates or increasing available amounts.

9) Q: What documents will I need to provide? A: Typically 3–6 months of bank statements, management accounts, director ID/address, and EPOS reports for merchant cash advances (exact items vary by provider).

10) Q: Are there any fees or hidden costs to use your service? A: Our service is free for business owners, and any broker or lender fees will be disclosed before you choose to proceed.

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