Read our 2024 impact report

Flexible business loans up to £250k

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

Amity Brew

SeaGrown

Access finance to start or grow your business.

Backing ambition across the North

We’re building a fairer financial system, one that backs your ambition with flexible finance and real support, wherever you are on the journey.

As a CDFI, we back potential with flexible finance and hands-on support to help you start strong, grow fast and build something that lasts.

Real finance for real businesses

Thousands of businesses across the North have started and grown with BEF. We've even supported business in other regions too. We see beyond the credit score. We back your story, your potential, and your plans to start or grow.

Finance that fits your business goals

Use your loan to:

✔ Keep cash flowing
✔ Hire and grow your team
✔ Launch new products or services
✔ Buy stock, equipment or tech
✔ Expand your space
✔ Manage the unexpected

Let’s talk about your business goals

Start Up Loan £500 to £25k

Start or grow your business

Repay over 1 – 5 years
6% fixed interest rate
No setup fee
No early repayment fee
12 months free mentoring
Get funds in 3-8 weeks

Explore this loan

Small Business Loan Up to £250k

For larger growth projects

Repay over 1 – 5 years
13% + base interest rate
4% setup fee
Low early repayment fee
Support that stays with you
Get funds in 2 weeks or less

Explore this loan

What makes BEF different to a bank?

We back people, not just credit scores. Unlike banks, we make human decisions, support overlooked businesses, and reinvest every pound into the North.

Talk to us about funding

Is BEF a bank?

How does that benefit me?

How are your decisions different to a banks?

Who do you support?

What our clients say

Thousands of businesses have grown with BEF. Here’s how our support helped them take the next 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."