Business loans for women
Business loans for women help female-founded and women-led UK businesses fund cash flow, growth, equipment and one-off costs. We search 80+ lenders for options from £1,000–£20m.
Last updated: October 2025, edited by Joe Morley, reviewed by Vivek Seda
What are business loans for women and how they work
Key takeaways
Finance tailored to your business needs (not your gender) - with unsecured and secured options to match your stage, sector, and goals.
Borrowing range: £1k–£20m (case dependent)
Speed: some lenders can fund in days once documents/underwriting complete
Security: unsecured or secured (property/assets; PG may apply)
Use cases: stock, hires, marketing, equipment, working capital, expansion
What are business loans for women?
It’s not a separate financial product; it’s standard business finance delivered with targeted support for women-led SMEs. We help you compare offers across loans, revolving credit, invoice and asset-backed options - then choose what fits your cash flow, timing and risk profile.
Why funding for women matters
Women-led businesses are growing - but barriers still exist. According to the Rose Review 2024:
only 22% of UK businesses are women-led
yet if women matched men in UK entrepreneurship, it could add £250 billion to the economy
70% of female business owners say access to finance remains a major challenge
That’s why it’s essential to make sure women in business have access to the full range of finance options - from working capital loans to grant-backed funding.
Benefits for women-led businesses
Protect cash flow
spread costs via fixed repayments or flexible drawdowns
Accelerate growth
fund inventory, marketing and hires without giving up equity
Potentially lower costs with security
larger amounts and sharper rates when asset-backed
Fit to seasonal revenue
revolving credit and invoice finance flex with sales cycles
Common types of loans available
Unsecured business loans
Ideal for businesses without assets to offer as collateral. These loans are based on turnover, trading history, and creditworthiness.
Secured business loans
Larger loans secured against property, equipment, or other business assets, often with lower interest rates.
Revolving credit facilities
Flexible lines of credit that you can draw from and repay as needed - useful for managing short-term cash flow.
Merchant cash advances
Repay your loan based on a percentage of your future card sales. This suits retail or eCommerce businesses with regular card turnover.
Invoice finance
Invoice finance releases money tied up in unpaid invoices.
Asset finance
Asset finance is used to fund vehicles, machinery and equipment.
Funding compared (at a glance)
Here's what to consider:
Product | Best for | Typical amounts | Security | Highlights | Considerations |
Unsecured loan | Fast working capital | £10k–£500k | PG common | Quick decisions; simple | Higher rates; PG risk |
Secured loan | Larger projects | £100k–£20m | Property/assets | Lower rates; bigger sums | Valuation/legal steps |
Revolving credit facility | Flexible drawdowns | £10k–£1m | Varies/PG | Pay interest on what you use | Variable costs; reviews |
Invoice finance | Debtor-funded cash flow | £25k–£5m | Invoices | Scales with sales | Fees per facility/invoice |
Asset finance (HP/finance lease) | Equipment/vehicles | £10k–£2m | Asset-backed | Spreads cost; preserves cash | Asset may be repossessed |
Eligibility & documents
What affects eligibility?
Lenders consider several factors when assessing a limited company loan:
company age: most lenders prefer 6-12 months of trading history
turnover: annual revenue helps determine borrowing limits
credit score: both business and director credit histories may be reviewed
financial health: profit margins, debt obligations, and cash flow stability
loan purpose: how and why the funds will be used
Documents
Director ID and proof of address
Recent business bank statements
Filed accounts or management information
VAT returns (if registered)
Details of existing borrowing and major contracts/invoices (where relevant)
Costs & fees
Total cost varies by product type, risk, term and security.
Interest: fixed or variable; unsecured usually higher than secured
Fees: arrangement, valuation (secured), legal; early-repayment terms vary
Compare offers: check APRs, fees and total repayable before deciding
Important: This page provides general information, not financial advice. Eligibility and rates vary by lender and case.
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Why choose Funding Options by Tide?
Funding Options by Tide helps UK SMEs find fast, tailored business finance by connecting them with over 80 trusted lenders. Backed by Tide and FCA-regulated, the service is free and easy to use.
Compare 80+ UK lenders in minutes
We scan the market so you don’t have to, finding the right option for your business.
Trusted by 17,000+ UK businesses
From startups to established SMEs, we’ve already helped secure over £1bn in funding.
FCA-regulated and Tide-backed
We operate as a credit broker, not a lender, giving impartial access to multiple finance products.
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Personalised support
Our team can guide you through the process and help you choose the finance that fits your needs.
Estimate your costs today
If you're ready to take your business to the next level, use our business loans calculator to get an idea of what you can afford.
Want to understand the cost of your loan?
Use our business loan calculator below to find out how much you can borrow to take your business to the next level.
Calculations are indicative only and intended as a guide only. The figures calculated are not a statement of the actual repayments that will be charged on any actual loan and do not constitute a loan offer.
Monthly payments
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Total interest
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Financial product information
Representative example*
• 9.7% APR Representative based on a loan of £50,000 repayable over 24 months.
• Monthly repayment of £2,291.56. The total amount payable is £54,997.44
*Some lenders may apply fees during the application process, please note that these are set and provided by these entities.
Annual Percentage Rates
Rates from 8.2% APR
Repayment period
1 month to 30 years terms
Learn more about business loans for women
Are there loans specifically for women in the UK?
Not legally, but many lenders and government schemes actively support women entrepreneurs.
Do lenders offer better rates specifically for women?
Not automatically. Rates are case-by-case. Some lenders and programmes focus on supporting women founders, but underwriting still depends on business fundamentals.
Am I eligible if my company isn’t 51% women-owned?
Yes—most business loans don’t require a specific ownership split. Certain grants or initiatives may set thresholds; check each programme’s criteria.
Can startups or pre-revenue businesses apply?
Yes, but options are more limited. You may need a strong plan, security or a personal guarantee. Revenue-linked products usually require trading history.
What documents will I need?
Typically director ID, recent bank statements, accounts or management info, VAT returns (if registered), and details of existing borrowing.
Will I need a personal guarantee (PG)?
Often for unsecured loans. Secured lending (e.g., property or asset-backed) can reduce or remove PG requirements, case-by-case.
How fast can I get funding?
Some lenders can fund in days once documents and due diligence are complete; timelines vary by product and case.
What can I use the funds for?
Working capital, stock, hiring, marketing, equipment, vehicles, refurbishment or expansion—provided the use is for the business.
Will applying affect my credit score?
Initial eligibility checks can be soft. A hard search usually occurs if you proceed with a specific lender.
How can I improve my chances of approval?
Keep clean bank statements, prepare up-to-date management accounts, reduce unnecessary spending, consider security, and borrow a realistic amount.
Please note that the information above is not intended to be financial advice. You should seek independent financial advice before making any decisions about your financial future.
It’s important to remember that all loans and credit agreements come with risks. These risks include non-payment and late-payment of the agreed repayment plan, which could affect your business credit score and impact your ability to find future funding. Always read the terms and conditions of every loan or credit agreement before you proceed. Contact us for support if you ever face difficulties making your repayments.
Funding Options, now part of Tide, helps UK firms access business finance, working directly with businesses and their trusted advisors. Funding Options are a credit broker and do not provide loans directly. All finance and quotes are subject to status and income. Applicants must be aged 18 and over and terms and conditions apply. Guarantees and Indemnities may be required. Funding Options can introduce applicants to a number of providers based on the applicants' circumstances and creditworthiness. Funding Options will receive a commission or finder’s fee for effecting such finance introductions.
Joe Morley
Business Finance Lead
Joe has been helping UK businesses secure the funding they need since 2015. Over the years, he’s supported hundreds of SMEs in accessing millions of pounds for everything from purchasing essential assets to unlocking working capital for day-to-day operations. As Head of Sales at Funding Options, Joe leads a large team of expert Business Finance Specialists dedicated to finding the right solution for every customer. His goal is simple - to make securing finance straightforward, stress free, and tailored to each business’s needs.