Business loans
Explore business loans from BEF for starting a business, managing cash flow, investing for growth or refinancing existing borrowing. Find the option that may suit your business.
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.
Our finance options
Not sure which finance is right for you?
Use Find your finance to answer a few simple questions about your business and what you need funding for. We'll help you explore the finance options that may suit you.
Personal borrowing for business use
- For eligible founders
- For businesses trading for up to 5 years
- For start-up costs
- For working capital
- For equipment, stock and marketing
- Up to £25,000 per founder
Finance provided directly to the business
- For businesses at any stage
- For working capital
- For growth and investment
- For refinancing existing borrowing
- Up to £250,000
What are you looking to achieve?
Whether you're starting a business, managing cash flow, investing for growth or refinancing existing borrowing, explore the finance options that could help you achieve your goals.
Start a business
Turn your idea into a trading business with finance that can help cover start-up costs, equipment, stock, marketing and other early investments.
Grow your business
Invest in the next stage of growth, whether that's hiring staff, expanding capacity, moving premises or reaching new customers.
Manage cash flow
Keep your business moving when money comes in later than it goes out. Finance can help support working capital and day-to-day operations.
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.
Invest in your business
Fund projects that support long-term growth, from upgrading systems and facilities to launching new products or services.
Refinance existing borrowing
Replace existing borrowing with finance that may better support your business plans and help create a stronger foundation for growth.
Fund a new opportunity
Act on new contracts, customer demand or expansion opportunities with finance designed to help your business move forward.
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.
Why businesses choose BEF?
Not for profit
We're a Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI) supporting businesses and communities across the North of England.
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.
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 helpWhere we lend
Find out where BEF provides finance across the North of England and check whether we lend in your area.
Explore where we lendBusiness loan FAQs
Find answers to common questions about business loans, including how much you can borrow, what finance can be used for and which options may be available to your business.