What is a small business loan?

A small business loan is a finance facility designed to help companies meet working capital needs, purchase equipment, refinance existing debt, fund expansion, or bridge short-term cash shortfalls. Loans can be secured or unsecured, short-term or long-term, and are provided by a range of banks, specialist lenders and brokers. Typical use cases include stock purchases, seasonal cash flow, machinery or vehicle purchase, premises fit-out and refinancing.

Fast Business Loans does not provide loans or financial advice — we introduce businesses to lenders and brokers who may be able to help. Your enquiry is not a loan application; it gives our matching team the detail needed to connect you with the best possible providers for your circumstances.

Why businesses use Fast Business Loans to find funding

Searching for the right lender can be slow and frustrating. Fast Business Loans speeds that process up by matching your business with lenders and brokers who specialise in your sector and funding need.

• Fast matching — tell us about your business in a couple of minutes and we’ll match you to the most relevant partners.
• Free and no obligation — submitting an enquiry costs nothing and won’t commit you to anything.
• No impact for an enquiry — the initial match process does not affect your business credit score.
• Sector-aware matching — we connect you with lenders that understand your industry and its cashflow patterns.
• Compare options — receive multiple contacts and quotes so you can choose the best fit.

Get Matched in Minutes — Free Eligibility Check

Loan & finance options available through our partners

Through our network of UK lenders and brokers we can introduce businesses to a wide range of funding solutions. Availability depends on the lender’s criteria and the details you provide.

Term loans (secured & unsecured)

Fixed-term loans for growth, working capital or refinancing. Amounts often range from around £10,000 to several million. Secured loans typically offer lower rates but require assets as security; unsecured loans are faster but may cost more.

Business lines of credit

Flexible access to funds you draw as needed. Ideal for seasonal businesses or unpredictable cashflow. Interest only on what you use.

Invoice finance

Release cash tied up in unpaid invoices. Useful for improving liquidity quickly — amounts depend on your invoice book and client profile.

Asset & equipment finance

Funding to buy machinery, vehicles or specialist equipment. Options include hire purchase and leasing with terms matched to the asset life.

Merchant cash advance

Advance against future card takings — often used by retail and hospitality businesses that have strong card transaction volumes.

Short-term bridging

Temporary finance for property or working-capital gaps while a longer-term solution is arranged.

Refinance and debt consolidation

Restructure multiple facilities into a single loan to simplify payments or reduce monthly outgoings — subject to lender assessment.

Each option may be available only to businesses meeting lender criteria and will be offered with full terms by the lender or broker. If you’re unsure which route suits you, tell us the sector and purpose in the enquiry and we’ll match you to specialists who can advise.

Small business loan eligibility: what lenders assess

While specific criteria vary, lenders commonly look at the following factors when assessing a business loan request:

• Trading history and company structure — many lenders prefer established companies with trading records, though some start-up solutions exist.
• Annual turnover and profitability — lenders assess ability to repay.
• Owner/director credit profiles — personal and business credit histories can influence terms.
• Security or collateral — property, plant or company assets may be required for larger or secured loans.
• Sector and risk — some industries face higher borrowing costs or narrower lender appetite.

Documents commonly requested

• Recent business bank statements (typically 3–6 months).
• Company accounts and management accounts.
• Cashflow forecasts and business plan for larger loans.
• Proof of identity and company incorporation details.

To check your options without affecting your credit record, complete a short enquiry: Check My Eligibility (No Credit Impact).

Support across UK industries

Our panel covers a broad range of sectors — from construction, hospitality and retail to manufacturing, logistics, healthcare and farming. When you complete the enquiry, tell us your industry so we can prioritise partners with relevant experience.

For an overview of common small business funding types and who they suit, check our pillar guide to small business loans.

How our Fast Business Loans matching service works

Our process is designed to be quick and transparent:

1. Complete a short enquiry form (it takes under 2 minutes).
2. We match your details to selected lenders and brokers who specialise in your sector and funding need.
3. Matched partners contact you to discuss options and may request documents to provide quotes.
4. You receive proposals and choose the lender or broker you want to proceed with — there’s no obligation to accept any offer.

Many businesses receive an initial response within hours during business hours. Start now: Start the 2‑Minute Form.

Understanding costs, rates and repayments

Rates and fees vary widely between lenders and product types. Typical cost elements include interest (fixed or variable), arrangement fees, drawdown fees, and early repayment charges. APRs are useful for comparison but ensure you ask each lender for the full cost breakdown.

Key tips:

• Compare total cost over the term, not just headline rates.
• Ask about all fees and any penalties for early repayment.
• Consider how repayments fit your cashflow; some products offer seasonal repayment profiles.

We cannot guarantee approvals or rates — partner lenders and brokers set terms and will provide full T&Cs if you proceed.

Borrow responsibly

Before taking on finance, assess affordability and the impact on cashflow. If unsure, consider alternatives such as phased investment, smaller equipment leases, or invoice finance. If needed, seek independent professional advice to understand the full implications of a loan for your business.

Small business owners we’ve helped

We routinely match businesses across the UK with suitable lenders and brokers. Typical success scenarios include:

• A regional retailer securing £45,000 in working capital to buy seasonal stock and avoid supply delays.
• An engineering SME arranging a £250,000 asset finance facility to purchase specialist CNC machinery.
• A hospitality group refinancing existing facilities to reduce monthly repayments and free cash for refurbishment.

Each case is anonymised and illustrative — outcomes vary by lender criteria and business circumstances.

Small business loan FAQs

Is Fast Business Loans a lender?

No. Fast Business Loans introduces businesses to lenders and brokers. We don’t provide loans or regulated financial advice; matched partners will discuss products and issue any offers.

How quickly will I hear back after submitting an enquiry?

Many businesses receive a response within a few hours during business hours. Some specialist requests may take longer while partners review details.

What loan amounts are available?

Our partners work with facilities from around £10,000 up to several million pounds, depending on product and lender. We do not arrange sub‑£10k facilities.

Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?

No — completing our enquiry and initial matching does not impact your business or director credit files. Lenders may perform credit checks later if you choose to proceed.

Do you charge businesses to use the service?

No — it’s free to submit an enquiry. If a broker charges a fee for negotiation or arrangement, they must disclose that before you agree to their services.

Can I apply if I’ve been declined elsewhere?

Yes — because we match across a broad panel, some lenders specialise in higher-risk or specialist deals. Completing the enquiry lets us find partners who may consider your case.

Ready to explore your small business loan options?

Tell us a few details and we’ll match your business with lenders and brokers who can provide tailored quotes. It’s quick, free and there’s no obligation to proceed.

Get Your Free Quote Now

Important: Fast Business Loans is an introducer connecting UK businesses with finance providers. Completing the enquiry form is not a loan application. Any loan offers and terms will be provided by the lender or broker and will be subject to their assessment and terms and conditions.