Funding that scales with your ambitions
Flexible finance to power your next move. No hidden fees. Just straight-talking local support.
Start your enquiry
Your growth deserves the right backing
Most banks and online lenders focus on rigid rules or one-size-fits-all products. We’re different. As a not-for-profit lender based in the North, we offer flexible finance shaped around your ambitions, with local support from people who understand your business.
Overview
A Small Business Loan gives you up to £250k to fuel your next stage of growth. It’s built for businesses that need fair, flexible finance without the delays or red tape of traditional lenders.
Most businesses receive funds within two weeks, with local support from people who understand your region and your goals.
For bigger growth projects
- For businesses trading 1+ years
- Average loan size: £75k
- Competitive interest, repay over 1–5 years
- 4% setup fees
- Low early repayment fees
- 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.
Why choose a Small Business Loan from BEF
Local support that understands you
Talk to real people who know your region, your sector and your ambitions.
More than the numbers
We look beyond rigid criteria to back strong ideas, solid plans and ambitious founders.
Not-for-profit backing
Every repayment helps us reinvest in more Northern businesses, not shareholders.
Not-for-profit, all for you
As a Community Development Finance Institution, we reinvest in businesses like yours, not shareholders.
We’re not just a lender. We’re your growth partner.
Start your enquiryTrusted by growing businesses
See how our loans have helped 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."
How to apply in four steps
Tell us about your business and funding needs.
Work with our team to shape the right solution.
Clear terms, tailored to your goals.
Most businesses get a decision and funding within two weeks.
It only takes a few minutes to start your enquiry.
Start your enquiryGot questions? We’ve got answers.
Everything you need to know to apply with confidence, and if you don’t see your answer here, our team’s just a message away.
Start your enquiry
Ready to take the next step? Share your business goals and funding needs, and we’ll shape a Small Business Loan that’s built around you.
Loan example
You can apply for a Small Business Loan of up to £250,000.
For a Small Business Loan of £50,000 loan repayable over 5 years (this is an illustration only):
- 60 monthly payments of £1,256.11
- Setup fee: £2,000 (payable at start of contract)
- Interest rate: 13.5% per annum (above B.O.E base)
- A personal guarantee may be required
Your actual loan terms may vary depending on your circumstances and the decision of our credit approvers.
All loans are subject to eligibility and affordability checks.
Early Repayment Fees
For early resettlement fees, please refer to Section (4) Repayments of our Terms of Engagement.