How to Get Business Funding UK (2026)

Quick Answer

The most accessible way to get business funding in the UK is through Merchant Cash Advance (MCA). Perfect for growth: stock expansion, equipment upgrades, or marketing campaigns. £5,000 to £25 million available across the panel. Credit is checked, but lenders are less strict than banks. Card sales and trading history carry more weight. Subject to lender criteria.

Alex Beardsley
Alex Beardsley
Updated July 2026

5 Ways to Get Business Funding UK

Merchant Cash Advance

Most Accessible - Based on Revenue
  • Amount: £5,000 to £25 million across the panel
  • Process: Simple application; many lenders advertise same-day decisions
  • Requirements: 3+ months trading, £3k+/month card sales
  • Eligibility: broader criteria than banks
  • Best for: Retail, hospitality, any card-taking business

Invoice Finance

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

Bank Term Loan

4-8 Weeks
  • Amount: £25,000-£2M
  • Speed: 4-8 weeks
  • Requirements: 2+ years trading, good credit, often collateral
  • Eligibility: stricter criteria, credit-led
  • Best for: Established businesses with perfect credit

Business Overdraft

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

Government Schemes

4-12 Weeks
  • Start Up Loans: £500-£25,000
  • British Business Bank schemes
  • Long application process but favourable rates

Step-by-Step: How to Get Business Funding

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
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
3

Gather Documents

For MCA (minimal requirements):

  • 3-12 months bank statements showing card sales
  • Director ID (passport/driving licence)
  • Business registration details
4

Apply (10 Minutes Online)

Use a funding broker like us to compare multiple providers with one application. You compare the offers that come back and choose.

5

Get Decision (24 Hours for MCA)

Providers review your card sales history and typically respond the same business day. Decisions are subject to lender criteria.

6

Receive Funding (24-48 Hours)

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

Ready to Fuel Your Business Growth?

Get matched with the right funding for your expansion plans

£5K to £25M available • Revenue-based decisions • Flexible repayment options

Get Your Funding Quote Takes just 2 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most accessible way to get business funding UK?
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Merchant Cash Advance is one of the most accessible alternative funding options. Credit is always checked, but lenders are less strict than banks -- card sales and trading history carry more weight. Requires minimal paperwork (typically bank statements) and often uses soft credit checks initially. Subject to lender criteria.

How much funding can I get?
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Depends on your monthly turnover. MCA: 1-2x monthly card sales (£3k-£1M). Invoice Finance: 80% of outstanding invoices (£10k-£5M). Bank loans: varies by credit and collateral.

Sources and references

  1. Gov.uk: business finance and support
  2. British Business Bank: business guidance
  3. FCA: Financial Conduct Authority
  4. UK Finance: business finance data
  5. iwoca: flexible business loans
  6. Funding Circle: business loans
  7. Fleximize: business loans
  8. Companies House: CapExpand Ltd 14433858

CapExpand Ltd (FRN 1060885) is an Appointed Representative of White Rose Finance Group Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 630772). We are a credit broker, not a lender. We do not provide financial advice.