Why sustainable investment needs the right funding partner

Rising energy costs, tighter environmental regulations and customer expectations mean sustainability projects pay for themselves faster — but only if you choose the right funding route. Different lenders reward different metrics: some prioritise carbon savings, others focus on asset value or cash‑flow impact.

Fast Business Loans is a specialist introducer. We don’t supply loans — we match businesses to lenders and brokers with sustainability expertise so you save time, reduce risk and improve your chance of securing suitable terms. Your enquiry is free, confidential and does not impact your credit file. See if your project qualifies – Request My Free Eligibility Check.

What are sustainability business loans?

Sustainability business loans are finance products designed to fund projects that reduce environmental impact or improve resource efficiency. Typical uses include renewable energy installations (solar, wind), heating upgrades (heat pumps), EV charging infrastructure, and manufacturing equipment that lowers carbon intensity.

Compared with standard business loans, sustainability financing can benefit from: lenders that consider projected energy savings when assessing affordability; asset‑backed terms for equipment; and sometimes preferential pricing where lenders see lower operational risk. Eligible businesses vary by lender and sector — from manufacturing and hospitality to logistics and agriculture — but all funding we arrange starts at around £10,000.

Projects our lender network commonly supports

Got a similar project? We’ll connect you with a lender who understands it – Get Started.

Loan & finance types available through our partners

Our panel includes lenders and brokers offering a range of products tailored to sustainability projects. Availability and exact terms always depend on partner assessment and project details.

Green term loans

Secured or unsecured loans with fixed repayment schedules; suitable for larger installs where a predictable repayment plan is preferred.

Asset finance & leasing

Hire purchase, finance leases and operating leases for equipment (EVs, boilers, manufacturing plant) where the asset itself supports the lending decision.

Invoice finance for sustainability contracts

Improve cash flow while waiting for sustainability contract payments or grant drawdowns.

Commercial mortgages for eco‑builds

Longer‑term property finance where energy performance or green certifications enhance lending prospects.

Carbon credit & grants bridging finance

Short‑term bridging finance to cover project costs ahead of grant payments or carbon credit sales; terms vary by lender.

Blended finance (grants + loans)

Brokers can structure blended funding to match grant timetables and reduce upfront lender exposure.

Please note: interest rates, security and fees are decided by the lender. We match you with partners suited to your project — Get My Green Finance Quote.

Eligibility snapshot: can your business apply?

Below is a quick guide — individual lenders set their own criteria.

• Minimum loan size: typically from £10,000 upwards.
• Trading history: many lenders prefer at least 12 months trading but specialist brokers can help earlier‑stage businesses with the right project evidence.
• Turnover: requirements vary by product; some asset finance deals accept modest turnover if the asset is high quality and cash savings are demonstrable.
• Credit profile: a soft enquiry is used at initial matching; lenders will advise on whether a soft or hard check is needed later. Businesses with previous refusals can be matched to alternative partners experienced in complex cases.
• Documentation often required: management accounts, supplier or installer quotes, and a simple sustainability plan or expected energy savings report.

Answer a few questions to see your matches — Free Eligibility Check.

How Fast Business Loans works (step‑by‑step)

1. Complete a short enquiry form with project details (takes under 2 minutes).
2. We match you to vetted lenders and brokers that specialise in sustainability projects.
3. Matched partners contact you to discuss affordability, incentives and next steps.
4. Compare proposals and choose the solution that best fits your business — there’s no obligation to proceed.

We’re not a lender and we won’t charge you for the introduction. Get Matched in Minutes.

Pricing, rates & supporting incentives – what to expect

Rates vary by lender and are influenced by credit profile, term, security and the nature of the project. Typical observed ranges for sustainability finance can start from competitive commercial rates but may increase for unsecured or higher‑risk profiles. Exact APRs are set by each partner and will be provided once your application details are reviewed.

Many projects also benefit from government schemes, local authority grants or tax incentives. Examples include reliefs and allowances for capital investment, local energy grants, or specialist net‑zero support programmes. Our matched brokers can explain which incentives may apply and whether a blended funding route is suitable.

We do not provide financial advice — always consider affordability and consult your accountant or financial adviser before committing. For a quick eligibility review and tailored lender matches, Get Quote Now.

Benefits of securing sustainability finance via Fast Business Loans

Efficiency

Save time — we shortlist the most relevant lenders for your project so you don’t have to search multiple providers.

Sector expertise

Match with lenders and brokers who understand sustainability metrics, energy modelling and project payback — improving the chance of approval and favourable terms.

Transparent introducer

No hidden fees for the enquiry; the process is free and you remain in control of any next steps with lenders.

Start your green finance search now: Request My Free Eligibility Check.

Success snapshot: UK businesses going greener faster

Illustrative examples from the kinds of projects supported by our panel (anonymised):

• Manufacturing SME — £250,000 financed for rooftop solar and battery storage; energy bills reduced by 40% and payback forecast under 6 years.
• Logistics operator — asset finance arranged for an initial EV fleet of 10 vehicles plus chargers; improved fleet running costs and reduced emissions.
• Hospitality group — blended funding for energy efficiency refurb across three sites, unlocking local grant support and favourable term financing.

Illustrative examples only — individual results vary.

Ready to move forward? Here’s what happens after you enquire

Once you submit the enquiry form, a specialist from our matching team will review your details. You can expect contact from matched lenders or brokers (typically within business hours) to discuss documentation and next steps. You are under no obligation to proceed and can opt out at any time. Your information is handled securely and shared only with partners relevant to your project.

Get My Personalised Sustainability Loan Matches

FAQs: Sustainability business loans with Fast Business Loans

Is Fast Business Loans a lender?

No. We’re an introducer that connects UK businesses with lenders and brokers who can provide finance solutions.

Will enquiring affect my credit score?

No — submitting our initial enquiry does not affect your credit file. Lenders or brokers may perform soft or hard checks later if you proceed with an application.

How quickly can funding be arranged?

Response times vary. Many partners contact you within hours; funding timelines depend on project complexity, documentation and whether grants or third‑party approvals are involved.

Can start‑ups access sustainable finance?

Yes. Specialist brokers in our network work with early‑stage businesses and can combine grants, asset finance or revenue‑based options where suitable.

Do lenders require a sustainability plan?

Often lenders will ask for a short project plan, supplier quotes and estimated savings or impact metrics. Our matched partners will advise what is needed for your case.

What if my business has had credit issues?

We work with partners experienced in complex credit histories who may be able to structure alternative solutions — submit your enquiry to see potential matches.

Didn’t find what you need? Ask a specialist — Start Your Enquiry.