Get the right small business loan for your needs
Compare tailored small business loan options from our panel of 80+ lenders. Borrow from £1,000 up to £20 million and find the right funding in minutes.
What is a small business loan and how it works
What is a small business loan?
A small business loan is a type of finance designed to help businesses with fewer employees or lower turnover access funding. The loan can be used to cover working capital, manage cash flow, invest in growth, or handle unexpected expenses.
Unlike personal loans, small business loans are assessed on your company’s trading history, revenue, and credit profile.
How do small business loans work?
You apply through a lender or broker such as Funding Options by Tide.
The lender assesses your business credit score, trading history, and affordability.
If approved, you’ll receive a lump sum which you repay in fixed instalments (plus interest) over an agreed term.
Repayments can be daily, weekly, or monthly depending on the lender. Terms typically range from 3 months to 5 years.
How does Funding Options work?
Tell us how much you need
We’ll ask a few questions about your business and the reason for your loan.
Get quotes instantly
Our smart technology will compare quotes from up to 80+ lenders to help you find the ideal business loan.
Apply for a Business Loan 🎉
We'll be there to guide you through every step of the process.
Trusted by over 17,000 customers
Types of small business loans
Unsecured business loans
No collateral required, based on your credit profile.
Secured business loans
Government-backed loans
For example, Growth Guarantee Scheme.
Short-term loans
Flexible borrowing for cash flow.
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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Monthly interest
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Total interest
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Length of loan
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Financial product information
Representative example*
• 7.63% APR Representative based on a loan of £50,000 repayable over 24 months.
• Monthly repayment of £2,252.94. The total amount payable is £54,070.56
*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 2.75% APR
Repayment period
1 month to 30 years terms
Eligibility for a small business loan
Time trading (some lenders require 6–12 months)
Turnover and profitability
Whether you can provide security (for secured loans)
Advantages and disadvantages of small business loans
Advantages:
Access to fast funding for growth or cash flow.
Wide choice of lenders and products.
Predictable repayment schedules.
Disadvantages:
Interest and fees vary depending on risk profile.
Some lenders require security or personal guarantees.
Missing repayments can impact your credit score.
How to apply with Funding Options by Tide
No fees for comparing and no obligation to proceed.
Tell us about your business and the funding you need.
Compare tailored offers from 80+ UK lenders.
Provide documents for underwriting.
Finalise your facility and receive funds quickly.
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.
Excellent customer experience
Our Trustpilot rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 1,300+ independent reviews.
Personalised support
Our team can guide you through the process and help you choose the finance that fits your needs.
Learn more about small business loans
Can a startup get a small business loan?
Yes - but lenders often require at least 6 months’ trading. Startups may be better suited to government schemes, equity finance, or business loans for new businesses.
Do I need a good credit score?
Not always. While a strong credit history improves your options, there are bad credit business loans available.
How can I apply for a small business loan?
With Funding Options by Tide, you can compare lenders quickly:
Tell us about your business and funding needs.
We’ll match you with lenders most likely to approve your application.
Choose the offer that works best and get funding - sometimes in as little as 24 hours.
How much can I borrow?
From £1,000 up to £20 million depending on your business profile and the lender.
How quickly can I get funding?
Some lenders can release funds in under 24 hours once approved.
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.