Do BEF lend to businesses in Scotland?

We are a responsible finance provider that helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UK access the funding they need.

But do we lend to businesses in Scotland? The answer is yes, but with limitations. BEF provides Start Up Loan in Scotland but does not offer Small Business Loans in Scotland.

In this blog, we’ll break down what this means for Scottish 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, their services in Scotland are currently limited to Start Up Loans.

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

If you are an entrepreneur in Scotland looking to start a business, you can apply for a Start Up Loan delivered by BEF.

These loans are designed for individuals who:

• Are launching a new business or have been trading for less than 36 months
• Need to borrow up to £25k per partner or director (4 maximum)
• 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 Scotland.

If you need a Small Business Loan in Scotland, 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 Scotland, 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 Scotland, 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.