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Business Loans

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The small business loans section has in-depth advice articles and guides on how and where start-up companies and small businesses can get a UK business loan, whether from established commercial finance providers, online providers or even family and friends. SmallBusiness.co.uk is working with a panel of trusted partners to help you find the right finance for your business.

A business loan can be sought for many reasons but is typically used to either: start a new enterprise, fund expansion, fund major capital expenditures, or to cover operational costs that a company may otherwise be unable to afford (i.e. for cash flow reasons).

There are two key categories of loan – secured or unsecured – and both types can be made available over short, medium or long-term periods. There are a wide variety of lenders servicing the many different niches and almost all will usually approve business loans based upon the financial strength of the borrowing business and its perceived ability to earn a profit.

Borrowing money is a major step for a company and almost inevitably introduces a raised level risk. However, taking on debt in the form of a loan is also one of the commonest forms of financing small business operations. Our experts write about business loans from the perspective of the UK SME community and our aim is to help readers understand how small business loans work, the many options available, and how to compare and choose between them.

Ultimately, though, a business loan may not always be the best finance option, so we also encourage readers to look at other routes such as grants and the ever expanding alternative finance channels.

Alternative business funding for small businesses

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Business Loans

Business Loans

How to get funding for your business with The Prince’s Trust

The Prince's Trust could give you with a useful mix of funding and mentoring as well as getting to grips with cashflow forecasting.

Business Loans

Personal guarantees for loans stifling growth, say business owners

Small business lobbyist calls out banks’ use of harsh personal guarantees, which can force small business owners to put their homes on the line

Business Loans

Best small business loans in the UK

We explore whether a loan is the right finance option for you along with some of the best small business loans in the UK market

Business Loans

How to get a business loan in 5 steps

Follow this 5-step plan if you want to secure a loan for your small business. There is a wealth of high-street banks and alternative SME lenders to choose from.

Business Loans

What is a working capital loan for your business?

A working capital loan can cover your short-term operational needs, whether that’s payroll, rent and any debt repayments. They are especially useful for seasonal businesses.

Business Loans

What documents do you need when applying for a business loan?

Different lenders require different business loan documents. Get prepared with this business loan checklist

Business Loans

Business loans for starting up abroad

Here is brief overview on getting finance for an overseas business in the UK – can you do it and what do you need to know?

Business Loans

What documents do you need when applying for a business loan?

Different lenders require different business loan documents. Get prepared with this business loan checklist

Business Loans

Business loans for starting up abroad

Here is brief overview on getting finance for an overseas business in the UK – can you do it and what do you need to know?

Business Loans

Getting small business loans with bad credit

Even a small business owner with bad credit may need to borrow unexpectedly for stock or a sudden car repair. Where can you turn to for a small business loan with bad credit?

Business Loans

A guide to getting a small business loan

Everything you need to know on what small business loans are and what types of loan are available for your business.

Business Loans

How the new Recovery Loan Scheme works

Government offers 70% guarantee to small business lenders but borrowers may have to take out personal guarantee

Business Loans

£6bn business loan package arrives this week

Successor to Recovery Loan Scheme will throw small business a lifeline in face of coming recession but will be less generous than before

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5 things every small business owner needs to know before starting

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Professional indemnity insurance provides cover if somebody sues your business and they allege that your advice caused financial loss or damaged their brand. It’s not just for accountants and lawyers but for anyone offering a personal service, even web designers

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Benefits of switching to the right business bank account

We've teamed up with the Current Account Switch Service to explain the benefits of switching your business bank account.

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Business Companion: a reliable voice in the misinformation age

Business Companion is a one-stop-shop for accurate and up-to-date legal guidance, whatever sector you’re in — and it’s all completely free