Do BEF lend to businesses in Northern Ireland?

If you’re a business owner in Northern Ireland looking for funding, you may be wondering whether we can support you. We are a responsible finance provider that helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UK access the funding they need.

But does we lend to businesses in Northern Ireland? The answer is yes, but with limitations. We provide Start Up Loans in Northern Ireland but do not offer Small Business Loans in Northern Ireland.

In this blog, we’ll break down what this means for Northern Irish entrepreneurs and what alternative options exist for established businesses looking for funding.

We provide access to funding for businesses, especially those who may struggle to secure the finance they need from traditional lenders. Our two main funding products are:

1. Start Up Loans – Government-backed loans for new businesses or entrepreneurs looking to launch a business.
2. Small Business Loans – Loans designed to support the growth and development of established businesses.

While we offer both types of funding in many regions, our services in Northern Ireland are currently limited to Start Up Loans.

✅ Yes – BEF provides Start Up Loans in Northern Ireland.
❌ No – BEF does not provide Small Business Loans in Northern Ireland.

If you are an entrepreneur in Northern Ireland looking to start a business, you can apply for a Start Up Loan from BEF. These loans are designed for individuals who:

• Are launching a new business or have been trading for less than 36 months
• Need funding to cover startup costs such as equipment, stock, or marketing
• Would benefit from business mentoring alongside financial support

However, if you are an established business looking for a Small Business Loan, we are not currently able to provide this type of funding in Northern Ireland.

If you need a Small Business Loan in Northern Ireland, you can explore other finance providers through the following resources:

• Finding Finance – A free online tool that helps businesses find responsible finance providers.
• British Business Bank Finance Finder – A finance search tool that connects businesses with suitable funding options across the UK.

If you are a new business or start-up in Northern Ireland, a Start Up Loan delivered by us could be a great funding solution. These loans come with low interest rates, flexible repayment terms, and business mentoring to support your growth.

If you are an existing business looking for expansion funding, use the Finding Finance tool or the British Business Bank Finance Finder to discover suitable finance providers.

We provide funding in Northern Ireland, but only for start-ups. If you are looking for funding to launch your business, BEF can help. However, if you need financing for an established business, there are many alternative funding sources available.

By using the Finding Finance tool or the British Business Bank’s Finance Finder, you can quickly identify the best funding options for your business needs.

If you’re unsure which route to take, take the time to explore all available options and seek advice from finance professionals or business support organisations.