Get your debt back under control
Escape the burden of short-term debt
Get startedTrusted by growing businesses
BEF loans are helping companies across the North take their next step.
"This NPIF loan has empowered us to better serve our community and expand our horizons."
Tomas Oppedal
"Throughout our journey so far, we have turned to BEF first for our funding requirements."
Small Business Loans: Overview
Short-term business loans seem like quick, easy cash at the time. But huge monthly repayments often start cutting into your growth.
Refinance over five years and give your business room to thrive again. Get expert support from local advisers who know how the North works.
Free up monthly cashflow
- For businesses trading 1+ years
- Repay over 5 years
- 4% setup fee
- Funds typically in 1–2 weeks
- Credit check required
Is a Small Business Loan right for me?
Whatever’s next for your business, a Small Business Loan can help make it happen.
Real reviews from real clients
From first-time founders to growing businesses, thousands have taken their next step with our support. Here’s how BEF funding helped turn ambition into action.
"Takes time when you not organised ;) Everything went smoothly from start to finish. Our admin team and business manager Habib were incredibly helpful offering plenty of advice and support. The initial paperwork is quite extensive but if you organise yourself and have your business plan in place it all works out. Thank you so much! Our journey begins now. :)"
"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"
"We applied for the UK Government Start Up Loan and our application was handled by Habib Karimi from BEF (Business Enterprise Fund). We couldn’t have asked for better support — Habib was extremely professional, responsive, and guided us clearly through every step of the process. The whole experience was smooth and stress-free, and thanks to his help, our loan was approved quickly. Highly recommended for anyone applying for a Start Up Loan — great experience and excellent service! Thank you again Habib for all the support and advice! Cristian Susca Partsworth Limited"
"Habib Karimi at the Business Enterprise Fund (BEF) has been absolutely fantastic to work with. He was efficient, professional, and guided me smoothly through the whole process, making everything straightforward and stress-free. The support we received has made a huge difference to our business development. We’re really happy with the service provided through BEF and very grateful for Habib’s support – highly recommended!"
"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!"
Why refinance with BEF
Deep regional knowledge
We're from here. Get support from local experts who know how the region does business.
We see the real you
People, not machines, decide who we support. BEF backs ambition, tenacity, and vision.
Northern impact
Your repayments are reinvested into helping more local businesses, not paying shareholders.
Ethically led lending
We work to create or protect jobs, and empower people to make a positive difference to the region.
We’re more than a lender. We’re your growth partner.
Start your applicationHow to apply in four steps
Tell us why you need to refinance your business loans.
Our lending team build a solution to suit you.
Receive clear, tailored terms that tackle your business challenges.
We aim to make a decision and fund most businesses in two weeks or less.
Flexible finance from people who understand you and your business.
Get startedFrequently asked questions
Don't see your question here? Our team are just an email away.