Read our 2025 impact report

Funding that fits your next move

Start or grow your business with up to £250,000, flexible terms and real people backing you. Find your perfect loan and get started today.

I have been trading for

Under 3 years Over 3 years

and would like to borrow

Upto 25k 25k to 250k

Find the best loan

Funding that works for your business

Your ambition deserves backing

Get flexible finance and hands-on support to start strong, grow fast, and build something that lasts, wherever you are in the North. And if you’re based beyond the region, we may be able to support your business too.

As a CDFI, we’re here to help you unlock your potential with funding that works for you and support that’s with you every step of the way.

Real finance for real businesses

We see your story, your potential, and your plans, not just a credit score. Join the thousands of businesses who’ve started or grown with our support.

Finance that fits your business goals

Use your loan to:

✔ Keep your cash flow steady and stress-free
✔ Hire the right people and grow your team
✔ Launch new products or services
✔ Stock up, upgrade kit or invest in tech
✔ Expand into bigger or better premises
✔ Tackle the unexpected without worry

Let’s talk about your business goals

Start Up Loan £500 to £25k

To start or grow your business

Fixed interest rate
No fees
Free mentoring
Get funds in 3-8 weeks

Explore this loan

Small Business Loan Up to £250k

For larger growth projects

Competitive interest rates
Low fees
Support that stays with you
Get funds in 1-3 weeks

Explore this loan

More than a bank. More than a credit score.

You’re more than a credit score. We look at your story, your potential, and your plans, not just the numbers. Our decisions are made by people, not algorithms, so you get fair consideration and real support.

Talk to us about funding

Is BEF a bank?

How does that benefit me?

How are BEF's decisions different to a bank?

Could BEF fund my business?

What our clients say

Thousands of businesses have started, grown, and thrived with our support. Here’s how they turned funding into their next big step.

“As a first-time entrepreneur, starting my own business was intimidating, but the BEF team helped with the whole process, giving me the confidence to push forward. It is great what I have been able to achieve so far and I look forward to continuing this growth trajectory.”

David Jameson

Danelaw Coffee

“This investment from BEF is a game changer for us. It will allow us to reach even more mums across the UK, expand our team, and enhance the support we offer. We’re incredibly excited about the future and grateful for the opportunity to make an even bigger impact in the lives of mothers.”

Kayleigh Laverick

Mamma Social Co

"The £70k loan from BEF and Ceniarth has allowed for product manufacturing and marketing activities; without this money and the support from my investment manager Antony, this wasn’t going to be possible."

Chris Withers

Mi-BoxLive

“The Start Up Loan from BEF was a game-changer for me, allowing me to transform my vision of owning my own salon into reality and create a space that not only stands out aesthetically, but also embodies the values of community and inclusivity.”

Sara Razzaq

Nova Salon

"Our partnership with BEF has been instrumental in realising our growth aspirations. This NPIF loan has empowered us to better serve our community and expand our horizons."

Tomas Oppedal

The Eye Store

“They clearly understood our vision and the entire process was straightforward, taking the stress out of launching a brand new business.”

Jeff Ben Mayor

The Spine Guy

"Working with NPIF II and BEF helped us access the finance we needed quickly to support our fast growth, and we are now looking to launch the app by the end of September."

Caine Wild

Wild Intervention

"This support [a Start-Up Loan from BEF] is not just financial; it's a vote of confidence in our mission, and we are excited to see how it propels us forward."