Business loans up to £250,000

Explore small business loans, Start Up Loans and business finance of up to £250,000 for growth, working capital, equipment purchases and refinancing. As a direct lender, BEF provides funding and support tailored to your business needs.

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What is a Business Loan?

Business loans help businesses start, grow and invest, supporting everything from working capital and equipment purchases to growth projects and refinancing. Whatever your ambitions, the right funding can help turn them into action.

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Our finance options

We provide different types of finance for different business needs.

Explore our main options below, or use Find your finance if you're not sure which option may suit you.

Find your finance
Start Up Loan £500 - £25k

Personal borrowing for business use


  • Up to £25,000 per founder
  • For eligible founders
  • Trading up to 5 years
  • Set up costs
  • Working capital
  • New premises
  • Equipment and stock
  • Marketing
Explore Start Up Loans
Momentum Loan Up to £250k

Funding for growth, working capital and refinancing.


  • Up to £250,000
  • For eligible businesses
  • Trading 6+ months
  • Working capital and cashflow support
  • Growth and investment projects
  • Refinancing existing borrowing
Explore Momentum Loans

What are you looking to achieve?

Start a business

Turn your idea into a trading business with funding that can help cover start-up costs, equipment, stock, marketing and other early investments.

Explore Start Up Loans
Grow Your Business

Invest in recruitment, expansion, new contracts, additional capacity or new markets to help your business move forward.

Explore Momentum Loans
Manage cashflow

Keep your business moving when money comes in later than it goes out. Funding can help support working capital and day-to-day operations.

Explore Momentum Loans
Buy equipment

Spread the cost of vehicles, machinery, tools, technology and other assets that help your business work more efficiently and take on more opportunities.

Explore Momentum Loans
Refinance existing borrowing

Replace expensive or unsuitable borrowing with finance designed to better support your business plans and future growth.

Explore Momentum Loans
Fund a new opportunity

Act on new contracts, customer demand or expansion opportunities with funding that helps you move quickly and confidently.

Explore Momentum Loans

Find your finance

Not every business needs the same type of finance. Find your finance helps you explore the options that may suit your business, needs and plans.

Find your finance

Why businesses choose BEF

Built around businesses

Our finance options are designed to support founders and businesses at different stages of their journey.

More than one finance option

From government-backed Start Up Loans to finance for growth, investment, working capital and refinancing, we support a range of business finance needs.

A relationship-led approach

We take the time to understand your business, your plans and what you're looking to achieve.

Not for profit

We're a Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI) supporting businesses and communities across the North of England.

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Direct lending decisions

As a direct lender, we make lending decisions in-house and work directly with businesses throughout the funding process.

You'll deal with experienced Loan Managers who take the time to understand your business, your plans and your funding requirements.

Who we support

From start-ups to established businesses, find out who BEF supports and explore finance based on your business stage.

Explore who we help

Where we lend

Find out where BEF provides finance across the North of England and check whether we lend in your area.

Explore where we lend

Business Loan FAQs

Find answers to common questions about business loans, business finance and funding options.

What is a business loan?
How much can I borrow for my business?
Am I eligible for a business loan?
What can a business loan be used for?
How do business loans work?
Can I get a business loan if I have a new business?
What is the difference between a Momentum Loan and a Start Up Loan?
Can I get a business loan if I've been declined by a bank?
Do I need to provide security?
Can I refinance existing business borrowing?