Empowering businesses & communities

In the case of sole traders and partnerships, the business owners should apply. Limited companies require an application from all directors. In some cases, we may request that shareholders who are not directors also be signatories to the loan if they are instrumental to the running of the business.

Every application is different, but the process for a Small Business Loan usually takes 2-3 weeks with Start Up Loans taking a little longer 

We offer loans up to £150,000 on an unsecured basis with a personal guarantee. Certain cases may require tangible security in line with our credit risk process.

Yes

We will consider applications on a case by case basis, please get in touch to discuss further

Our template is available to download here. Notes provided under each section to help you through the process. Please provide all the information you are able to under each section; doing so in bullet point form is acceptable.

We prefer business plans that are completed by the applicant(s) as we believe that the applicant(s) can describe better than a third party the history, achievements, hurdles and plans for the business. However, we will accept plans written by a third party as long as they are appropriately qualified. Our investment managers process business plans that are submitted to a panel and therefore the plan submitted by the applicant(s) is unlikely to be the final version; our investment managers will ensure that any plans that are submitted are fit for purpose.

A forecast is essentially a best guess. Some costs are able to be forecast more accurately than others. Overhead costs, for example, include figures such as rent, rates and utilities. These can generally be assessed fairly accurately. Figures such as sales can be more difficult to forecast. However, your research into the viability of the business and the demand for the product/ service should allow you to determine approximate figures. As you start to trade you will be able to adjust your forecast accordingly. A basic forecast template is available to download, however, we will accept a forecast in any format.

No. Start Up Loans are personal loans intended for business use and have to be repaid within 5 years at the fixed rate of 6.2% APR. To see all the details of the Start Up Loans scheme, click here.

We can provide our own business plan template but welcome your own format when applying for a loan. Forecasts can be submitted in any format.

We prefer applicants to use the online procedure as it enables us to respond to the client quicker. However, if you are unable to complete the online application process for any reason, please email us at [email protected] or call us on 0800 080 3145.

Please begin your application here. Following registering your details, you will be directed to a dedicated portal. Following a quick eligibility check, you will be asked to register your personal details, complete a credit check, and submit your business information and supporting documents. Once completed, one of our Investment Managers will review your application.