Fair finance for North East businesses

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I would like to borrow

Start, scale, and secure your business with a flexible loan of up to £250,000.

Or do you need to refinance short-term debt?

North East success stories

Thousands of startup founders and SME owners are thriving thanks to BEF business loans. Here's what they have to say about us.

    “As a first-time entrepreneur, starting my own business was intimidating, but the BEF team helped with the whole process, giving me the confidence to push forward. It is great what I have been able to achieve so far and I look forward to continuing this growth trajectory.”

    David Jameson

    “This investment from BEF is a game changer for us. It will allow us to reach even more mums across the UK, expand our team, and enhance the support we offer. We’re incredibly excited about the future and grateful for the opportunity to make an even bigger impact in the lives of mothers.”

    Kayleigh Laverick

    "The £70k loan from BEF and Ceniarth has allowed for product manufacturing and marketing activities; without this money and the support from my investment manager Antony, this wasn’t going to be possible."

    Befund

    Chris Withers

    “The Start Up Loan from BEF was a game-changer for me, allowing me to transform my vision of owning my own salon into reality and create a space that not only stands out aesthetically, but also embodies the values of community and inclusivity.”

    Befund

    Sara Razzaq

    "Our partnership with BEF has been instrumental in realising our growth aspirations. This NPIF loan has empowered us to better serve our community and expand our horizons."

    Befund

    Tomas Oppedal

    “They clearly understood our vision and the entire process was straightforward, taking the stress out of launching a brand new business.”

    Befund

    Jeff Ben Mayor

    "Working with NPIF II and BEF helped us access the finance we needed quickly to support our fast growth, and we are now looking to launch the app by the end of September."

    Caine Wild

    "This support [a Start-Up Loan from BEF] is not just financial; it's a vote of confidence in our mission, and we are excited to see how it propels us forward."

    Esther Jaskolski

    Finance built for the North East

    Local finance experts are here and ready to help hit your business goals:

    • Secure consistent cashflow
    • Create jobs, expand your team
    • Launch new products or services
    • Invest in equipment, training, or premises
    • Expand into new markets
    • Overcome unexpected challenges
    We'll help you find the right loan
    Start Up Loan £500 to £25k

    For ambitious startup founders


    • Fund your launch or grow
    • Low interest rates
    • 1–5 year repayments
    • 12 months free mentoring
    • Government-backed support
    Explore Start Up Loans
    Small Business Loan Up to £250k

    For growth-focused SME owners


    • Fund your growth
    • Competitive interest rates
    • 1–5 year repayments
    • Dedicated support
    • Fast decisions, funds in weeks
    Explore Small Business Loans

    Refinancing: Escape the burden of short-term debt

    Refinance Loan Up to £250k

    Get your business momentum back


    • Free up cashflow, cut monthly costs
    • Consolidate costly loans
    • 5 year repayments
    • Dedicated support
    • Fast decisions, funds in weeks
    Explore Refinance Loans

    Our impact this year:

    £ 21.8m

    Invested in businesses like yours

    £ 87.2m

    Added to the regional economy

    5,096

    Jobs created or protected

    500

    New UK businesses backed

    We know how the North East works

    Expert local support from people who understand the region's economy. BEF North East looks past your credit score to see the jobs you're creating and the communities you're serving.

    Let's talk funding
    Is BEF a bank?
    How does that benefit me?
    How are BEF's decisions different to a bank?
    Could BEF fund my business?

    You're in good company

    A strong network of trusted partners lets us put even more funding power in your corner.

    Contact us