How to Get Business Funding UK (2026)

5 Ways to Get Business Funding UK

1. Merchant Cash Advance (Fastest - 24-48 Hours)

• Amount: £3,000-£500,000
• Speed: 24-hour decision, 24-48 hour funding
• Requirements: 3+ months trading, £3k+/month card sales
• Approval rate: 90%
• Best for: Retail, hospitality, any card-taking business

2. Invoice Finance (24-Hour Funding)

• Amount: £10,000-£5M
• Speed: 24 hours
• Requirements: B2B business with outstanding invoices
• Best for: Manufacturers, wholesalers, professional services

3. Bank Term Loan (4-8 Weeks)

• Amount: £25,000-£2M
• Speed: 4-8 weeks
• Requirements: 2+ years trading, good credit, often collateral
• Approval rate: 62%
• Best for: Established businesses with perfect credit

4. Business Overdraft (1-2 Weeks)

• Amount: £1,000-£100,000
• Speed: 1-2 weeks
• Best for: Short-term cash flow management

5. Government Schemes (4-12 Weeks)

• Start Up Loans: £500-£25,000
• British Business Bank schemes
• Long application process but favorable rates

Step-by-Step: How to Get Business Funding

Step 1: Calculate How Much You Need

Be specific. "£30,000 for stock purchase before Christmas" is better than "some working capital." Use our funding calculator to determine the right amount.

Step 2: Check Your Eligibility

• MCA: Need £3k+/month in card sales
• Invoice Finance: Need £10k+ in outstanding invoices
• Bank Loan: Need 2+ years trading, good credit

Step 3: Gather Documents

For MCA (minimal):

• 3-12 months bank statements showing card sales
• Director ID (passport/driving license)
• Business registration details

Step 4: Apply (10 Minutes Online)

Use a broker like us to compare multiple providers with one application. You get competing quotes and choose the best rate.

Step 5: Get Decision (24 Hours for MCA)

Providers review your card sales history and make instant decision. 90% of applications approved same day.

Step 6: Receive Funding (24-48 Hours)

Money transferred directly to your business bank account. Use immediately for whatever your business needs.