finance options - small business loans

Small business loans: Compare lenders & apply

Unlock your company’s full potential with access to over 100 UK lenders with Capitalise.

You can instantly check what you can afford without impacting your credit score, with loans ranging from £5,000 to over £5 million available in as little as 48 hours.

TRUSTED BY 100K+ UK BUSINESSES

  • £1.8bn in funding offers

  • Regulated by the FCA since 2015

  • Trusted by 100,000+ UK businesses

How do small business loans work?

Small business loans provide your business with a lump sum of money that must be repaid over a set period, typically with interest. The terms, interest rates, and repayment schedules vary depending on the lender and the specific loan product. Some small business loans work by requiring the business to have collateral.

This means the loan is secured against an asset, which the lender can claim if the loan isn’t repaid. While others may be unsecured, meaning they do not require collateral. Instead unsecured small business loans rely on the business's credit score and financial reliability to ensure repayment.

Great company, would recommend 100%. Customer service is lovely.

Brigita

Business owner

I am extremely grateful for the outstanding assistance provided throughout the loan application process. Their expertise made a complex and often daunting process feel manageable and straightforward.

Alex

Business owner

Capitalise were outstanding from start to finish. Finding funding options was made easy and their customer care team is first class.

Geoff

Business owner

Great company, would recommend 100%. Customer service is lovely.

Brigita

Business owner

I am extremely grateful for the outstanding assistance provided throughout the loan application process. Their expertise made a complex and often daunting process feel manageable and straightforward.

Alex

Business owner

Capitalise were outstanding from start to finish. Finding funding options was made easy and their customer care team is first class.

Geoff

Business owner

Great company, would recommend 100%. Customer service is lovely.

Brigita

Business owner

I am extremely grateful for the outstanding assistance provided throughout the loan application process. Their expertise made a complex and often daunting process feel manageable and straightforward.

Alex

Business owner

Capitalise were outstanding from start to finish. Finding funding options was made easy and their customer care team is first class.

Geoff

Business owner

Why use a small business loan?

Getting a small business loan can be a smart way to help your business grow and keep your finances in check. This extra money can be used to improve your operations, expand your services, or simply keep things running smoothly. Here's how you might use a small business loan:

  • Improve cash flow 

  • Upgrade your equipment

  • Hire more people 

  • Purchase more stock 

  • Refinance existing loans 

  • Expand into a new location

Small business loan calculator

Before applying for a loan, it's helpful to estimate your potential loan repayments. Our small business loan calculator helps you estimate your monthly repayments based on the loan amount, interest rate, and repayment term.

What do you need the funding for?

Funding for covering costs e.g. tax or payroll. These are typically unsecured loans.

How long do you want to pay back your loan for?

How much do you want to borrow?

£25,000

Interest rate

Typical business loans to cover costs range from 7% - 16% APR depending on the duration, amount and lender.

Loan amount

£ -

Total interest amount

£ -

11% APR over a 3 years.

Total repayment amount

£ -

Total monthly repayment

£ - / month

Not sure what you can afford?

Sign up to check your affordability

Would I be eligible for a small business loan?

To be eligible for a small business loan, you generally need to:

  • Have been in operation and trading for at least six months

  • Demonstrate consistent or growing revenue

  • Maintain a good business credit score

Lenders may also look for positive cash flow, or a solid business plan to achieve positive cash flow as part of their assessment. 

If you don't meet these criteria, it doesn't mean we won't be able to help you get a business loan. However, meeting these requirements will maximise your chances of approval and give you more options.

How to apply for a small business loan

Here's a step by step of how the process of applying for a small business loan works with Capitalise:

  1. Check your eligibility for small business loans

  2. Apply through our platform with matches from 100+ lenders

  3. Talk with one of our funding specialists, they'll help you understand what documents you need to provide and which lenders will suit your business needs

  4. Upload your supporting documents

  5. Receive feedback on your application to up to 4 lenders

  6. Once approved, you could get funding in your account in as little as 48 hours.

What documents will I need to apply for a small business loan? 

Typically, you'll need to provide the following documents when you apply for a small business loan: 

  • 6 months business bank statements

  • Your latest set of filed accounts (if applicable) 

  • Proof of address (driving licence, utility bill, personal bank statements)

  • ID (passport, driving licence)

What are the different types of small business loans?

Types of small business loans

Pros

Cons

Best for

No personal guarantee small business loans

No risk to your personal assets

Can come with higher interest rates

Businesses without sizable assets

Business lines of credit

Flexible use

Potential for high fees

Ongoing operational expenses

Invoice finance

Immediate cash flow from unpaid invoices

Depends on client payments

Businesses with delayed payment cycles

Asset finance

Spread the payments of  expensive equipment

Depends on the value of the asset

Acquiring high-value equipment

Merchant cash advance

Easier on cash flow as repayments are based on sales

Higher cost of borrowing

Businesses with high credit card sales

Short term small business loan

Quick access to funds

Higher monthly repayments

Short-term financial needs

Long term small business loan

Lower monthly payments

Longer debt commitment

Large, long-term investments

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Let Capitalise help you with your small business loan

Compare your options from 100+ business lenders.

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