What are business loans?
A business loan is a designated amount of money lent to a company for specific business purposes. The borrower repays the principal sum along with interest over a predefined period. Business loans can support various aspects of your business, from purchasing inventory before a busy season to acquiring new equipment or machinery for growth and operational needs. UK alternative lenders such as iwoca, Funding Circle and Nucleus Commercial Finance now approve SME applications faster than traditional high-street banks, often releasing funds within 24 to 48 hours. Fundably’s multi-lender panel means you can compare offers from 50+ providers in a single application.
Similar to personal loans, to acquire a business loan an application must be submitted to a lender, who evaluates your business’s eligibility and determines the interest rate. Upon accepting the offer, your business receives the funds and begins repaying them monthly, along with interest, over the agreed period. Eligibility hinges on several factors, including your business’s trading history, assets, cash flow and credit history.
Fundably provides access to bespoke business loans for a variety of business needs, whether you’re looking to expand operations, invest in new technology, manage cash flow, consolidate debt, complete a management buyout (MBO) or buy-in (MBI), refinance or seize a growth opportunity.
Common types of business loans
Revolving credit facilities: a flexible financing option where a business can withdraw, repay and redraw funds within an agreed limit, much like a credit card. Ideal for managing cash flow and unexpected expenses.
Overdrafts: a facility allowing businesses to draw more money than they have in their account up to an agreed limit, providing a safety net for short-term financial needs or unexpected costs.
Merchant cash advances: provides immediate funds based on future credit card sales. Suitable for businesses with a high volume of card transactions, offering repayment through a percentage of daily card sales.
Asset refinancing: involves using the equity in a company’s assets (like machinery or vehicles) as security for a loan. A way to unlock cash tied up in assets, often used for expansion or improving cash flow.
Secured vs unsecured business loans
Secured business loans require collateral, such as property or equipment. The collateral reduces the lender’s risk, often resulting in lower interest rates and more favourable terms. Benefits include less emphasis on credit scores, fixed interest rates, potential for early repayment and generally lower costs.
Unsecured business loans do not require collateral and are suitable for rapidly growing or asset-light businesses. Benefits include quicker processing, access to capital for growth and coverage for unforeseen expenses, though they typically require a personal guarantee.
Borrowing limits and terms
Through Fundably’s 50+ lender panel, businesses can typically borrow from a few thousand pounds up to several million, with repayment terms ranging from a few months to 15 years. The exact amount and terms depend on your business’s trading history, revenue and creditworthiness.
Is a business loan right for your business?
Consider a business loan if your business needs a cash boost for equipment purchase, expansion or managing cash flow dips. Loans can strengthen your business position and help you achieve growth goals.
If your bank has declined your application, alternative lenders on Fundably’s panel may still be able to help. Approval criteria vary significantly across lenders.
How to apply through Fundably
Applying for a business loan through Fundably takes around 5 minutes. Simply complete the application form and connect your data. The initial matching uses a soft credit check, which does not affect your credit score and is not visible to other lenders. A hard credit check only happens if you choose to proceed with a specific lender’s offer.
As a commercial finance broker and NACFB member, Fundably matches you with suitable lenders from our 50+ UK panel, including unsecured and secured options across short and long-term facilities. We send tailored feedback by email and support you through the application end to end.