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Business funding can feel like a maze, wouldn't you agree? There are lots of routes, each with different rules, and eligibility varies. It is easy to spend time on options that were never a fit in the first place.
So we've made this easier. We've partnered with the Department for Business and Trade to pull together the most practical government-backed funding routes and cash flow support for small businesses, all in one place.
Check out two quick tools if you want a fast answer and keep reading to find funding options that suit you.
➡️ British Business Bank's finance finder: Find the right type of finance in minutes with this quick tool that points you towards suitable finance based on your needs.
➡️ GOV.UK "Find a grant" service: An online tool you can use to search live government grants and check your eligibility.
Starting out and need a first pot of money? Start Up Loans from the British Business Bank are government-backed personal loans for people starting out or early in trading. Use them to buy equipment, stock, marketing or professional support. You also get 12 months of free mentoring.
Building a prototype or proving demand? UKRI funding from UK Research and Innovation is best if you're a research-led or innovative business. Use the funding to test the market, develop a prototype or proof of concept, or scale an innovation.
Spending on product or technical development? Try HMRC's R&D tax relief. If you're doing qualifying research and development, you may be able to reduce your Corporation Tax bill and keep more cash in the business.
If you're innovating, exporting or not getting paid, use these:
💰 Selling overseas or taking on export contracts? Export finance from UK Export Finance supports you to manage working capital and payment risk when exporting.
💰 Growing through innovation and need a loan? Innovate UK's Innovation Loans offer funding for small businesses developing innovative products, processes or services.
💰 Late payments squeezing cash flow? The Office of the Small Business Commissioner is there to give practical guidance on your options and how to handle disputes.
Wales (Business Wales): A single hub for finance and grants, plus regular updates on current funding.
Scotland (Scottish Enterprise): Funding and investment opportunities, including loans and co-investment options.
Northern Ireland (Invest NI): Finance-related advice and support, including loan and equity funds for ambitious SMEs.
If a traditional bank loan is not the right fit, there are other routes that can work for small firms, depending on your needs and trading history:
💷 Community lenders (CDFIs): non-profit organisations that lend to small businesses banks often won't touch. Useful if you're very new, have patchy credit, or operate in an underserved area.
💷 Online term loans: borrow a fixed amount, repay in regular instalments. Decisions are usually quicker than banks, but rates can be higher.
💷 Revolving credit or short-term facilities: draw down cash when you need it, repay when you can. Helpful for covering gaps between invoices or seasonal dips, but watch the cost if you lean on them too often.
📖 Free guide: How to get financial support
🎟️ Upcoming event: Unlocking global growth
🎟️ Upcoming event: Tackling late payments and getting money moving
That’s all for this week!
Thank you for reading. We hope these resources will help support your business. If you have any questions, please hit reply. We’re here to help!
The UK Government’s Business Growth Service aims to connect businesses to the right UK Government support when they need it most. Whether you're a start-up looking for funding, an established SME seeking to export, or a growing company navigating regulations, the service provides tailored guidance to help you access grants, advice and resources across government. Visit business.gov.uk to find the support that's right for your business.