Business loans for the North
Wherever you’re building your business, BEF is here to help.
Who do BEF serve?
We provide affordable, responsible business loans to founders and small businesses across Yorkshire & Humber, the North East, and the North West.
From early-stage startups to growing firms, we offer clear criteria, personal support and funding that fits your goals.
Where do BEF lend?
We support businesses in every major city, town and rural community across the North, including:
Yorkshire & Humber
Leeds, Bradford, Sheffield, Hull, York, Doncaster, Rotherham, Wakefield, Barnsley, Halifax, Huddersfield, Scunthorpe, Grimsby, and more.
North East
Newcastle, Sunderland, Gateshead, Durham, Middlesbrough, Stockton, Darlington, Hartlepool, Northumberland and the Tees Valley.
North West
Blackpool, Fylde Coast, Preston, Blackburn, Burnley, Bury, Rochdale, Bolton, Carlisle, and surrounding areas.
If your business is based in the North, there’s a strong chance we can help.
What business loans do BEF offer?
We support founders and small businesses with:
For pre-starts and start-ups
- Start Up Loans for pre-starts and businesses trading up to 3 years
- Second Loans for existing Start Up Loan recipients who need additional funding
For growing businesses
- Small Business Loans for firms moving beyond the start-up phase
- Refinance Loans to replace costly short-term borrowing
- NPIF II Smaller Loans for eligible businesses in Yorkshire and the Humber
We offer GGS-backed loans where appropriate. These facilities are provided at our discretion and are subject to our standard credit and fraud checks.
Why do businesses choose BEF?
Local expertise
We know the landscape, opportunities and challenges across the North.
Personal support
One-to-one guidance from real people, not algorithms.
Clear, fair lending
No hidden fees. Straightforward criteria. Funding that works for real businesses.
Mission-driven impact
As a not-for-profit lender, your success helps support more Northern entrepreneurs.
Frequently asked questions
If you don’t see your answer here, our team’s just a message away.