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Business loansLast updated: 04 Nov 2026
Business loans Scotland
Scottish businesses can borrow from UK banks and alternative lenders, or through Scottish government backed loan schemes. Compare business loans in Scotland from 130+ lenders with one Capitalise application.
Why get a business loan in Scotland through Capitalise?
200,000+ UK businesses trust us
Business credit data powered by Experian
£2bn in funding approved
FCA regulated since 2016
What types of business loans are available in Scotland?
Scottish businesses can choose from the full range of UK business loans. The right one depends on how much you need, what it's for and your business's financial health.
Loan type | How it works | Useful for |
|---|---|---|
Borrow a fixed sum and pay it back, plus interest, across an agreed term, with or without security | Planned investments such as expansion or refurbishment | |
Draw funds up to an agreed limit and pay interest only on what you use | Everyday expenses and unexpected costs | |
The asset you buy usually secures the finance, which can mean better terms | Machinery, vehicles and equipment | |
Releases cash tied up in unpaid customer invoices | Bridging long customer payment terms | |
A lump sum paid back through a share of your future card takings | Businesses that take most payments by card | |
Long term finance secured on business property | Buying or refinancing premises | |
Capital for businesses without a long trading history, often at higher rates | New businesses |
What can you use a business loan for in Scotland?
Moving into new premises
Fund a move, a fit out or the purchase of your own unit, whether that's a shop in Glasgow or a workshop in Aberdeen.
Buying equipment and vehicles
Spread the cost of machinery, vans or technology so your cash stays free for day to day running costs.
Smoothing out seasonal cash flow
Cover wages, suppliers and bills through quieter months, which helps if your trade rises and falls with the tourist season.
Taking on new staff
Pay for recruitment and training while new hires settle in, alongside any apprenticeship funding from Skills Development Scotland.
Stocking up ahead of busy periods
Buy stock in bulk before your peak season or to secure a better price from suppliers.
Making energy saving upgrades
Combine a loan with Business Energy Scotland's interest free funding to cover insulation, heating or renewable technology.
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How much does a business loan cost in Scotland?
A business loan in Scotland typically costs from around 4.9% APR for secured borrowing and from 9% APR for unsecured loans, though some alternative lenders charge much higher risk lending. Scottish businesses borrow from the same UK lenders as the rest of the country, so rates are no different north of the border. The rate you’re offered reflects your credit profile, loan size and term, and our guide to business loan interest rates explains how to secure a better one.
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Who can get a business loan in Scotland?
Lenders judge Scottish businesses on the same criteria as any UK business. Most lenders on our panel want to see:
How do you get a business loan in Scotland?
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Apply with Capitalise
Start a free application with Capitalise and share the amount your Scottish business needs and its purpose.
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Share your required documents
Upload your recent business bank statements and latest accounts securely, so lenders can see how your business is performing. Your funding specialist will let you know which documents you need.
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Get matched with lenders
Your funding specialist reviews your application and sends it to up to four of our 130+ lenders best suited to your business.
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Compare your offers
Weigh up the offers together, as your specialist talks you through the rate, term and total cost of each one.
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Accept and get funded
Choose the offer that works best for your business, accept it and receive the money in your business bank account.
What government funding can you use alongside a business loan in Scotland?
Scottish public loans and grants rarely cover everything you need, but they can reduce how much you borrow or fund a specific part of your plans, such as energy upgrades or training.
Scheme | What it offers | Who it's for |
|---|---|---|
£250,000 to £2 million from Scottish Enterprise | Growth focused businesses with two years of trading and £250,000+ turnover | |
Grants for new projects, research and development, and capital investment | Businesses investing in growth or innovation | |
Interest free loans of up to £100,000, plus cashback of up to £30,000 | Businesses trading for 12 months or more with energy saving or renewable projects | |
Funding for training and apprenticeships | Employers hiring or upskilling staff | |
A 70% government guarantee on finance of up to £2 million | UK businesses borrowing through an accredited lender |
The Growth Guarantee Scheme had helped 1,283 Scottish businesses borrow over £200 million by April 2026. Businesses in the Highlands and Islands or the south of Scotland can also get support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise or South of Scotland Enterprise. You can apply for a Growth Guarantee Scheme loan through Capitalise, and your funding specialist will match you with accredited lenders on our panel.
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Page last reviewed on by Nick Richardson