Loans to start, grow or steady your business

Borrow up to £250,000 with a partner that backs your ambition. Find the right loan for you in less than 60 seconds.

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Befund
Befund

A better way to fund your business

Banks can feel rigid. Other lenders can move quickly, but decisions are often automated and lack flexibility.

We sit in a different place.

As a not for profit lender, we focus on what your business could become, not just what it looks like today. Every decision starts with understanding your plans, your challenges and your ambition.

Funding that fits your next move

Start Up Loan (£500-£25k)

Just getting started? Turn your idea into something real with funding and support from a partner that understands what it takes to get a business off the ground.

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Momentum Loan (up to £250k)

Ready to move your business forward? Flexible funding to support growth, manage cash flow or replace expensive short term debt.

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Smaller Loan (£25k-£100k)

Growing your business in Yorkshire and the Humber? Access regional funding designed to help you invest, expand and take your next step with confidence.

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Which loan is best for you?

Find your loan

Finance that fits where your business is going

Befund

Starting a business

Turn your idea into something real, with funding and support that builds confidence from day one.

Start your journey
Befund

Working capital

Keep your business moving with flexible funding designed around how your cash flow actually works.

Strengthen your cashflow
Befund

Growth and expansion

Take your business further with funding that supports hiring, investing and scaling with control.

Fund your growth
Befund

Refinance

Create breathing space and move forward by replacing expensive short term debt with a more sustainable solution.

Improve your position
Befund

Not sure what fits your business best?

Find your best fit loan in less than a minute, or talk to our team for clear, practical guidance. Talk to our team

Find your loan

    Why choose BEF over other lenders?

    We look beyond the numbers

    Some lenders rely on rigid criteria. We take time to understand your plans, your market and your ambition before making a decision.

    We are fair by design

    As a not for profit lender, we do not answer to shareholders. Our focus is simple. Helping your business move forward with funding that is right for you.

    We make decisions with context

    Some lenders prioritise speed, but decisions are often automated and lack real understanding. Every BEF decision is made by experienced people who see the bigger picture.

    We invest in communities

    Every repayment is reinvested to support more businesses, helping create jobs, growth and stronger local economies.

    How BEF compares to other lenders

    BEF Other lenders
    Decisions
    Human judgement
    Decisions
    Automated scoring
    Flexibility
    Built around you
    Flexibility
    Fixed terms
    Support
    Continuous & Personal
    Support
    Transactional
    Pricing
    Fair pricing
    Pricing
    Headline rates
    Speed
    Fast with context
    Speed
    Fast decisions
    Focus
    Community impact
    Focus
    Shareholders

    Trusted by businesses at every stage

    Thousands of businesses have moved forward with our support. Here is what that looks like in practice.

      5 out of 5 stars

      "Rowan was nothing short of phenomenal throughout this whole experience. With the expansion of my gym to a larger premises, I knew we would need funding to create the space I wanted. From the very beginning, Rowan did everything she could to support. It is a long-winded process at the beginning, but anything I was unsure of or did wrong, Rowan corrected and kept me on track. We successfully received the full 20k we applied for, and it has transformed the business and helped us grow amazingly! couldn't recommend more!"

      Review by Josh Hall
      Josh Hall
      Google
      5 out of 5 stars

      "I had an excellent experience working with Habib to secure my business loan. He was knowledgeable, responsive, and genuinely invested in helping me succeed. He guided me through every step of the process, made everything clear and stress-free, and worked hard to find the best possible option for my needs. I truly appreciate the professionalism and dedication, and I highly recommend their services to anyone looking for business funding support."

      Review by Shane Farenando
      Shane Farenando
      Google
      5 out of 5 stars

      "Dear Mr. Karimi, I would like to sincerely thank you for all the support and help you have given us. Your guidance has been extremely valuable, and whenever I faced any issues, you were always quick to respond to my emails and phone calls. I truly appreciate everything you have done for us and your continuous support throughout the process. Kind regards, Khosrow"

      Review by Khosrow Kargar
      Khosrow Kargar
      Google
      5 out of 5 stars

      "I had an excellent experience with Habib, throughout the loan application process. The support I received was professional, clear, and extremely helpful at every stage. I would highly recommend the service to anyone seeking guidance and assistance with securing business funding."

      Review by victor irimiya
      victor irimiya
      Google
      5 out of 5 stars

      "Sent over my plans to Sanni who gave me a call back to go through my business plan and cash flow, Sanni was very helpful and gave me great confidence that my business plan and cash were were at the right stage to move forward to the next step. Sanni did a great job, I would defiantly recommend her help on any ones application. A massive Thank You Sanni"

      Review by Simon Smith
      Simon Smith
      Google
      5 out of 5 stars

      "I applied for a Government Start Up Loan Habib Karimi at the Business Enterprise Fund (BEF) supported me to submit my application. Explaining everything simply and making the process run efficiently. He was professional and supportive. Fantastic experience and I received the funds quickly. He ensured he checked all the details and that I was lending an amount my business could afford. Highly recommend Thanks Laura from Organise Your Life With Laura"

      Review by Laura Royston
      Laura Royston
      Google
      5 out of 5 stars

      "Julie Micklethwaite at the Business Enterprise Fund (BEF) has been absolutely fantastic to work with. She has now successfully secured two invaluable start-up loans for my business, and the difference this extra cash flow has made to our development is huge. Julie was efficient, professional, and guided me smoothly through the whole process, making everything straightforward and stress-free. We’re really happy with the service she provided through BEF and very grateful for her support – highly recommended!"

      Review by Daniel Harvey
      Daniel Harvey
      Google

      Real impact for businesses and communities

      £ 21.8m

      Invested in businesses like yours

      £ 87.2m

      Added to the regional economy

      5,096

      Jobs created or protected

      500

      New UK businesses backed

      A fairer way to fund your business

      We are not a bank. We are not a short term lender. We are a not-for-profit organisation built to support businesses like yours.

      Find your loan
      Is BEF a bank?
      How is BEF different from other lenders?
      What does that mean for you?
      Could BEF fund my business?
      Will I be dealing with a real person?

      We work better together

      Working with partners who support business growth every day.

      Get in touch