What are small business loans?

Small business loans are sums of money advanced to companies to support working capital, equipment purchases, expansion, refinancing and other commercial needs. They can be unsecured or secured against business assets or property, short- or medium-term, and structured as a single lump-sum loan, an overdraft-style facility, or a revolving credit line. Through our network we typically introduce businesses seeking funding from around £10,000 up to several million, depending on the lender’s criteria.

Want to see what you might be eligible for? Free Eligibility Check — it takes just a couple of minutes.

When a small business loan might help

Here are common reasons UK SMEs seek finance:

• Cover short-term cash flow gaps while awaiting customer payments
• Purchase or lease equipment, vehicles or IT systems
• Stock purchases ahead of busy seasons
• Refurbishment, fit-outs or premises expansion
• Hire additional staff to scale operations
• Refinance higher-cost borrowing to reduce monthly payments
• Invest in sustainability projects (solar, EV chargers, heat-pumps)

Here’s the good news: instead of spending hours researching dozens of lenders, you can Get Quote Now and we’ll match your business to the most appropriate providers.

How Fast Business Loans works

We make the search for finance simple and quick. Our process is transparent and designed to save you time.

Step 1 – Quick online enquiry

Complete a short form telling us about your company, the sector, the funding amount you need and preferred timescale. This is an enquiry only — not a formal application.

Step 2 – Intelligent matchmaking

We review your details and match you to lenders or brokers in our panel who specialise in businesses like yours. We aim to select partners most likely to be able to help.

Step 3 – Lender or broker contacts you

Matched providers will contact you directly to discuss options, request supporting documents and, where appropriate, make a formal offer. Submitting an enquiry does not trigger a credit check.

Step 4 – Compare and decide

Receive multiple quotes where possible, compare terms and proceed with the provider you choose. There’s no obligation to accept any offer.

Start your enquiry now: Get Started – Free Eligibility Check. Your enquiry is treated securely and shared only with relevant finance partners.

Types of small business finance we can introduce

Our panel covers a wide range of solutions. Below are typical types of finance and when each is commonly used:

• Term loans (secured/unsecured) – For medium-term growth, asset purchase or expansion.
• Asset & equipment finance – Fund machinery, vehicles, IT without large upfront costs.
• Invoice finance – Unlock cash tied up in unpaid invoices to improve liquidity.
• Revolving credit / overdraft facilities – Flexible access to working capital.
• Refinance & debt consolidation – Reduce monthly costs and simplify repayments.
• Specialist alternatives – Merchant cash advances, bridging loans and sector-specific products.

Rates, terms and eligibility vary by product and provider. To explore suitable options, Get Quote Now.

Eligibility snapshot & documents

While exact criteria are set by lenders, most providers typically look for:

• Limited company registered in the UK
• A minimum trading history (varies by lender)
• Business turnover and affordability aligned with the requested loan size
• Evidence of business activity: accounts, bank statements, VAT records

Common documents to have ready:

• Recent business bank statements (usually 3–6 months)
• Management accounts or certified accounts
• Cash flow forecast and details of existing borrowings
• Proof of identity and address for directors where required

If you’re unsure what your business qualifies for, complete our quick enquiry and we’ll guide you through the next steps: Free Eligibility Check.

Costs, rates & repayment considerations

Costs vary widely depending on product, borrower profile and security. Typical factors that affect price include:

• Term length and loan amount
• Whether the loan is secured by assets or property
• Business credit profile and historic performance
• Arrangement, broker and early repayment fees

Illustrative guidance: APRs and fees can range from relatively low for secured, long-term lending to higher for unsecured or specialist short-term products. These figures are indicative only — lenders will provide exact terms after review.

Always consider total cost, monthly affordability and the impact of any personal guarantees before proceeding. Providers will disclose full terms; we recommend reviewing these carefully.

Timelines – from enquiry to funding

Typical timescales:

• Enquiry to initial contact: often within hours during business hours
• Formal application and document submission: from a few days to several weeks
• Decision to funding: same-day in some cases; normally a few days to a few weeks depending on complexity and security requirements

If speed is critical, note this on your enquiry and we’ll prioritise introductions to lenders who specialise in fast funding.

Industries we support

We introduce businesses across many UK sectors, including construction, hospitality, manufacturing, retail & e-commerce, agriculture, healthcare and logistics. If you want sector-specific guidance, we can direct you to lenders and brokers who understand your industry’s cashflow patterns and working capital needs.

For more details on options for growing companies, see our pillar resource on small business loans.

Why work with Fast Business Loans

1. Free & no obligation: it costs nothing to check eligibility.
2. Time savings: stop searching dozens of sites — we introduce you to the best fits.
3. Sector-aware matches: we aim to pair you with lenders who understand your market.
4. Secure handling: we only share your details with relevant partners and use secure systems.
5. Transparency: we’re an introducer — lenders set their own terms and fees.

Begin your enquiry: Get Started – Free Eligibility Check.

Success snapshots (anonymous)

Below are anonymised, representative examples of the results our introducer service has helped achieve.

• Retailer (£50,000) — Funding for seasonal stock: introduced to a lender who provided a term loan and delivered funds within 5 working days, allowing the retailer to purchase inventory and meet peak demand.
• Engineering firm (£200,000) — Asset finance arranged to purchase new CNC machinery; repayments structured against projected cash flows, improving productivity without large upfront capital.
• Hospitality business (£75,000) — Refinance and working capital facility negotiated through a broker, reducing monthly payments and easing seasonal pressure.

Responsible borrowing & transparency

We do not provide regulated financial advice. Our role is to introduce you to lenders and brokers who can supply products and advice. Before taking any finance, consider affordability, total cost, and whether you need professional regulated advice for complex decisions. Always read lender terms carefully and ask questions about fees, early repayment charges, and guarantees.

Frequently asked questions

Is Fast Business Loans a lender?

No. We are an introducer that connects your business to lenders and brokers who provide finance directly.

Will enquiring affect my credit score?

No — submitting our enquiry does not itself perform a credit check. Lenders may carry out credit searches later in the process and will let you know beforehand.

How much can my business borrow?

Through our panel businesses commonly access lending from around £10,000 up to several million, depending on the product and lender criteria.

Do you work with start-ups or businesses previously declined?

Many of our partners specialise in cases other lenders decline, including start-ups with a compelling business plan. Eligibility varies by lender; complete the enquiry so we can match you appropriately.

What does it cost to use your service?

It’s free for business owners to use our eligibility check. Any fees are agreed directly between you and the lender or broker if you proceed with a product.

How quickly will a lender contact me?

Often within a few hours during business hours. More complex requests may take longer to review.

What information will I need to provide?

Basic company details, funding amount required, trading history and contact information. Having recent bank statements and accounts speeds up the process.

Ready to explore your options?

If your business needs funding and you want a quick, transparent route to suitable lenders and brokers, start with our short enquiry. We’ll match you with partners who can provide tailored quotes — no obligation and no fee to you.

Start Your Free Eligibility Check

Fast Business Loans acts as an introducer, not a lender. All finance is subject to eligibility, status and terms set by the lending provider. Consider affordability and seek independent regulated advice if needed.

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