Why Small Businesses Choose Fast Business Loans

When time is tight, you need a quick, reliable route to funding. Fast Business Loans saves you the legwork by matching your business to lenders and brokers who specialise in SME finance. Our service is free and non‑binding — you receive quotes directly from providers and decide if you want to proceed.

• Fast matching — often a response within hours during business days.
• Sector-aware partners who understand construction, retail, hospitality, manufacturing and more.
• Soft initial enquiry process that usually won’t affect your credit file.
• Suitable for loans and finance from £10,000 upwards.

Get your free eligibility check — it takes about 2 minutes to tell us the basics so we can match you to the right specialists.

What Is a Small Business Loan?

A small business loan is a form of debt finance for UK companies to support working capital, equipment, premises, vehicle or growth funding. Products vary by security, term and speed of funds. Fast Business Loans connects you to options including unsecured term loans, secured loans (including property-backed), asset and equipment finance, invoice finance, bridging and short-term cashflow facilities.

Common uses

• Working capital to manage seasonal demand or supplier payments.
• Buying plant, machinery or vehicles.
• Refurbishment, expansion or fit-out costs.
• Refinancing or consolidating existing business debt.

How Our Matching Process Works

1. Complete a short enquiry — tell us about your company, funding amount and purpose (takes ~2 minutes). Start your free eligibility check.
2. We match you — we use your details to identify lenders/brokers that specialize in your sector and need.
3. Rapid response — selected partners typically contact you by phone or email to clarify details and deliver indicative quotes.
4. Compare and decide — you receive proposals and choose which provider to progress with; final offers are subject to underwriting by the lender.

Our first match is generally a soft enquiry that usually won’t impact your credit score. If you opt to proceed, lenders may perform formal credit checks as part of their underwriting.

Get matched with a lender or broker now.

Types of Small Business Finance We Can Introduce

Unsecured term loans

Quick to arrange for qualifying businesses. Typically useful for working capital and smaller growth projects. Amounts often start at £10,000.

Secured loans (including property‑backed)

Used for larger sums or longer terms; security reduces lender risk and can improve pricing but carries asset risk.

Asset finance & equipment leasing

Spread the cost of vehicles, machinery or IT over time, preserving cashflow and often matching repayments to asset life.

Invoice finance & factoring

Unlock cash tied up in unpaid invoices to smooth pay cycles and fund growth without taking on longer‑term debt.

Merchant cash advance

Repayments taken as a percentage of card takings — quick access to cash but can be relatively expensive.

Bridging and short‑term cashflow loans

Fast, short-term funding to cover timing gaps or take advantage of time-sensitive opportunities.

For a broader overview of options for smaller firms see our industry guide to small business loans.

Quick Comparison: Loan Types

Eligibility & Criteria: Are You Likely to Qualify?

Each lender sets its own criteria, but typical requirements include:

• Limited company trading history — often 12 months+ (some partners accept shorter trading histories for well‑presented plans).
• Minimum loan amounts usually from £10,000 upwards.
• Business bank statements, management accounts or filed accounts, and ID for directors (documents requested vary by provider).
• Revenue, margin and sector considerations — some lenders specialise in high‑turnover, low‑margin sectors and others favour profitable, asset‑rich businesses.

Typical documents

• Recent business bank statements (3–6 months).
• Management accounts or two years’ filed accounts.
• Proof of identity and address for directors.
• Details of invoices or assets where relevant.

If you’re unsure, start a free eligibility check and we’ll match you to partners who can advise on likelihood and next steps.

Understanding Costs: Rates, Fees & Repayments

Costs vary widely by product, lender and business profile. Below are indicative ranges to set expectations (illustrative only):

• Unsecured loans: APRs can range substantially depending on risk — expect higher rates than secured options.
• Secured loans: typically lower interest rates but may include arrangement fees and valuation/legal costs.
• Invoice finance & merchant advances: fee and factor rates depend on turnover profiles and advance rates.

Always compare the total cost of borrowing (interest + arrangement fees + early repayment charges). Final rates are subject to underwriting and will be quoted by the lender.

Case Snapshots: Funding Solutions by Sector

Each situation is unique — submit an enquiry and we’ll find providers experienced in your sector. Get a no‑obligation quote now.

Secured vs Unsecured: Which Works for You?

Choosing between secured and unsecured finance is a balance of cost, term and risk:

• Secured: lower rates, longer terms, but assets (e.g., property) may be at risk.
• Unsecured: quicker to arrange for smaller amounts, no collateral but typically higher cost and stricter credit criteria.

Application Checklist & Timeline

Typical timeline (guideline):

• Initial match & indicative quote: same day to 72 hours.
• Submission of documents and lender due diligence: 3–14 business days.
• Offer and funds release: 24 hours to several weeks depending on product and security.

Checklist

• Company registration & recent filed accounts.
• Business bank statements (last 3–6 months).
• Proof of ID/address for directors.
• Details of the funding purpose and projected use of funds.

Ready to gather documents? Start your free eligibility check and we’ll suggest the most relevant providers.

Responsible Borrowing & Alternatives

Before borrowing, assess affordability and cashflow projections. Speak with your accountant or finance director where appropriate. Alternatives to loans include grants, equity investment or supplier finance — we can put you in touch with brokers who will outline alternatives where relevant.

Why Partner with Fast Business Loans

We combine speed, sector knowledge and a wide partner panel so your enquiry reaches the providers who are most likely to help. Our service is free for business owners and there’s no obligation to proceed after you receive quotes.

Get a fast, no‑obligation quote — complete our short form and we’ll do the rest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will applying affect my credit score?

Submitting an initial enquiry through Fast Business Loans is usually a soft match and normally will not affect your credit score. Lenders may perform a formal credit check if you choose to proceed with an application.

How fast can funds be released?

Speed depends on product and security. Some invoice or merchant solutions can release funds in 24–72 hours; secured loans often take longer due to valuations and legal checks.

Do you charge businesses to use the service?

Fast Business Loans does not charge business owners for the introduction — our revenue comes from partners when an enquiry converts. Any lender or broker fees will be disclosed by them.

Can I apply with previous credit issues?

Possibly. We work with a broad panel including specialists who consider complex credit histories — submit an enquiry and we’ll match you to the partners most likely to help.

Do you give financial advice?

No. We are an introducer and do not provide regulated financial advice. Lenders and brokers you are connected with will explain product suitability and terms.

Next Steps: Start Your Small Business Loan Search

To explore options and receive tailored quotes, complete our short enquiry. It’s free, confidential and non‑binding. We’ll match you with lenders and brokers suited to your sector and funding need.

Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

Fast Business Loans acts as an introducer and not a lender. All finance offers are provided by third‑party lenders and brokers and are subject to their underwriting, terms and conditions. Always consider affordability and seek independent financial or accounting advice if unsure.