Small Business Loan

Loans up to £250k to grow your business

£ 50,000
5years
£

Flexible finance from straight-talking local business experts.

Start your application

Trusted 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."

    Befund

    Tomas Oppedal

    "Throughout our journey so far, we have turned to BEF first for our funding requirements."

    Befund

    Small Business Loans: Overview

    A Small Business Loan is built for entrepreneurs who need fair, flexible finance without the delays or red tape of traditional lenders. Most businesses receive their funds within two weeks.

    Get up to £250k, with local support from people who understand the North and champion your ambitions.

    Not ready to apply? Talk to us
    Small Business Loan Up to £250k

    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
    Start your application

    Is a Small Business Loan right for me?

    Whatever’s next for your business, a Small Business Loan can help make it happen.

    Start your application
    This loan could be right for you if:
    This loan isn't right for you if:
    Am I eligible?

    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 and boost the region's economy.

    Driven by a positive mission

    As a Community Development Finance Institution, we work to support underserved local communities, not shareholders.

    We’re more than a lender. We’re your growth partner.

    Start your application

    How to apply in four steps

    1. Apply for funding

    Tell us about your business and funding needs.

    2. Get expert guidance

    Work with our team to shape the right solution.

    3. Secure your offer

    Clear terms, tailored to your goals.

    4. Receive your funds

    Most businesses get a decision and funding within two weeks.

    Secure your business in only a few minutes.

    Start your application

    Got questions? We’ve got answers.

    Everything you need to know to apply with confidence. If you don’t see your answer here, our team’s just a message away.

    Still not sure? Talk to us
    What documents will I need to provide?
    How does Open Banking work?
    Can I apply if I’ve had credit issues in the past?
    Do I need to offer security?
    How long does it take to get a decision?
    What can I use the Small Business Loan for?

    Start your application

    Ready to take the next step? Share your business goals and funding needs, and we’ll build a Small Business Loan around you.

    Start your application

    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.