Read our 2025 impact report

Loans to start, grow or steady your business

Start your business, scale with confidence, or refinance costly short-term debt. Borrow up to £250,000 on fair terms. Find your loan in three clicks.

I have been trading for

Under 3 years Over 3 years

and would like to borrow

Up to 25k 25k to 250k

Find the best loan

Your not-for-profit funding partner.

Backing ambition. Funding potential.

We know starting or growing a business isn’t just about the numbers. That’s why we look beyond credit scores to back your ideas, your plans, and your potential.

As a not-for-profit lender born in the North, we offer fair, flexible finance and hands-on support to help ambitious businesses like yours thrive.

Finance that fits your business goals

Whatever you’re working on, the right loan can help you move forward:

✔ Keep your cash flow steady
✔ Hire and grow your team
✔ Launch new products or services
✔ Invest in tools, tech, or premises
✔ Expand into new markets
✔ Tackle the unexpected with confidence

Not sure which loan fits? Talk to us before you apply

Start Up Loan £500 to £25k

For pre-starts and start-ups

Fund your launch or grow
Low interest rates
1–5 year repayments
12 months free mentoring
Government-backed support

Explore this loan

Small Business Loan Up to £250k

For larger growth projects

Fund your growth
Competitive interest rates
1–5 year repayments
Dedicated support
Fast decisions, funds in weeks

Explore this loan

More than a bank. Backed by people.

We see your story, your potential, and your plans not just a credit score. With BEF, every decision is made by people who understand business, not by algorithms. That means fair consideration, clear terms, and support that lasts.

Talk to us about funding

Is BEF a bank?

How does that benefit me?

How are BEF's decisions different to a bank?

Could BEF fund my business?

What our clients say

From first-time founders to growing businesses, thousands have unlocked their next step with our support. Here’s how BEF funding helped turn ambition into action.

“As a first-time entrepreneur, starting my own business was intimidating, but the BEF team helped with the whole process, giving me the confidence to push forward. It is great what I have been able to achieve so far and I look forward to continuing this growth trajectory.”

David Jameson

Danelaw Coffee

“This investment from BEF is a game changer for us. It will allow us to reach even more mums across the UK, expand our team, and enhance the support we offer. We’re incredibly excited about the future and grateful for the opportunity to make an even bigger impact in the lives of mothers.”

Kayleigh Laverick

Mamma Social Co

"The £70k loan from BEF and Ceniarth has allowed for product manufacturing and marketing activities; without this money and the support from my investment manager Antony, this wasn’t going to be possible."

Chris Withers

Mi-BoxLive

“The Start Up Loan from BEF was a game-changer for me, allowing me to transform my vision of owning my own salon into reality and create a space that not only stands out aesthetically, but also embodies the values of community and inclusivity.”

Sara Razzaq

Nova Salon

"Our partnership with BEF has been instrumental in realising our growth aspirations. This NPIF loan has empowered us to better serve our community and expand our horizons."

Tomas Oppedal

The Eye Store

“They clearly understood our vision and the entire process was straightforward, taking the stress out of launching a brand new business.”

Jeff Ben Mayor

The Spine Guy

"Working with NPIF II and BEF helped us access the finance we needed quickly to support our fast growth, and we are now looking to launch the app by the end of September."

Caine Wild

Wild Intervention

"This support [a Start-Up Loan from BEF] is not just financial; it's a vote of confidence in our mission, and we are excited to see how it propels us forward."