Start or grow your small business
We empower small businesses to transform communities through innovation and growth.
Our dedication to fostering growth and innovation is reflected in the impressive impact we have achieved
£
21.5m
Of client investment in the last 12 months.
£
86m
Added to the regions economy in the last 12 months.
599
New UK businesses created in the last 12 months
4,470
UK jobs created or safeguarded in the last 12 months.
Empowering small businesses across England & Wales
Small businesses across England and Wales use flexible finance from BEF to start up, scale up and thrive. Empowered small businesses lead to empowered communities.
Small businesses account for three-fifths of the employment and around half of turnover in the UK private sector. That's why we champion small businesses.
Power up your small business with flexible financing options
Whether you’re launching a new venture or scaling an existing one, we offer a range of finance products tailored to meet your needs.
Our solutions are designed to boost cash flow, purchase stock, invest in new equipment, expand your team, or manage unexpected expenses.
Start Up Loan
£500 to £25k
Perfect for new entrepreneurs, our Start Up Loans provide the funding you need to turn your business idea into reality.
- A 6% fixed interest rate
- Flexible repayment 1 to 5 years
- Up to 4 partners or directors
- No arrangement fees
- No early repayment fees
Small Business Loan
Upto £250k
Designed for established businesses, these loans help manage cash flow, expand operations, or invest in growth opportunities.
- Competitive interest rates
- Flexible repayment 1 to 5 years
- Get funds within 2-3 weeks
- Minimal setup fees
- Minimal early repayment fees
Discover our impact on local businesses
We measure our success by the achievements of the businesses we support. Here’s what some of our clients have to say about their journey.
“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."
Esther Jaskolski
Xtra9ce WigsFinance that powers possibilities
Many small businesses struggle to access the finance they need when they need it the most. Our tailored solutions unlock access to finance to help small businesses flourish and impact their local communities.
Who can apply for a loan?
What types of loans do we offer?
How long does the process take?
Collaborating for greater impact
We believe in the power of collaboration to drive meaningful change. Our network of trusted partners helps extend our reach and impact.
Get in touchDiscover our impact
Altogether, we've supported over 5,000 businesses and helped create or safeguard over 13,000 jobs. As a not-for-profit social enterprise, every bit of our profit is reinvested to stimulate economic growth and create jobs.
