Social enterprises

Small Business Loans for North East social enterprises

£ 50,000
5years
£

The region’s social enterprise sector does amazing work in some of the UK’s most economically underserved communities. Business finance from BEF lets this work faster, and at a bigger scale.

Check your eligibility
Befund

How does business finance help social enterprises?

We’re a social enterprise ourselves, so we know the pressures facing the sector. A Small Business Loan helps deepen your impact and strengthen the communities you serve. 

Funding often supports the refurbishment of community spaces, the purchase of essential equipment, or the launch of new outreach programmes. Many organisations use the capital to expand training schemes, grow volunteer capacity, or improve digital systems that streamline service delivery. Others invest in sustainable products or facilities that generate revenue and protect long‑term stability.

In areas facing economic challenges, this backing fuels local resilience and creates opportunities for people who need them most. Steadier cash flow keeps projects running smoothly and reduces pressure during funding gaps. With reliable support behind them, social enterprises amplify their mission and build brighter futures for their neighbourhoods.

Small Business Loans at a glance

For revitalising public spaces, helping more people, or expanding your operations to new underserved communities.

Small Business Loan Up to £250k

Grow with confidence


  • For businesses trading 1+ years
  • Average loan size: £75k
  • Competitive interest, repay over 1–5 years
  • 4.5% setup fees
  • Low early repayment fees
  • Funds typically in 1–2 weeks
  • Credit check required
Check your eligibility

Case study: Mi-BoxLive boosts pupil’s numeracy and teamwork

    A former teacher from Middlesbrough developed Mi-BoxLive, a sports-themed board game and app aimed at boosting numeracy skills in schools. It’s now being used in live educational settings to reignite students’ interest in maths and deepen their social skills.

    A former teacher from Middlesbrough developed Mi-BoxLive, a sports-themed board game and app aimed at boosting numeracy skills in schools. It’s now being used in live educational settings to reignite students’ interest in maths and deepen their social skills.

    What else can you do with a Small Business Loan?

    We aim to make our loans as flexible and versatile as possible. Some social enterprises need working capital to make it through challenging periods. Others target growth with capital expenditure investment. Or perhaps you need to refinance short-term loans? Talk to our team and get the right funding solution.

    Get funded in 4 steps

    1. Apply for funding

    What do you need to continue serving your community?

    2. Get expert support

    Your Investment Manager shapes the right solution for you

    3. Receive your offer

    A plain-language breakdown makes finance easy to grasp

    4. Receive your funding

    You could get your working capital in as little as two weeks

    Make sure you can always meet the demand.

    Check your eligibility

    Do good work at increased speed and scale

    We’re proud to back our fellow social enterprises and help them deepen their impact on communities who need it most.

    Start your application