Loans for growing businesses

Q: What can a small business finance be used for?

Small business finance can help with a range of business needs, including working capital, equipment, vehicles, technology, recruitment, expansion and other investments. The options available will depend on your business, circumstances and what you need the finance for.

Q: Can I get finance for working capital?

Yes. Depending on your circumstances, finance may be available to help manage cash flow, cover day-to-day costs or support your business while you invest in future growth.

Q: Can I refinance existing business borrowing?

Depending on your circumstances, finance may be available to help refinance existing business borrowing. Refinancing can help businesses review their current borrowing and potentially move to a funding arrangement that better suits their needs.

Q: How much can a small business borrow?

BEF provides finance from £500 to £250,000, depending on the finance option, your business needs and your circumstances. Different funding options have different limits and eligibility requirements.

Q: How do I know which finance option is right for my business?

The right finance depends on what you need the funding for, how much you need, your plans and your current financial position. Use the find your finance too to explore the options that may suit your business.

Growth creates opportunity, but it can also create new funding requirements. If your business is preparing for its next stage, BEF can help you explore finance to invest, expand and take advantage of new opportunities.

Find your finance

What's your next move?

You may be considering finance to:

Increase capacity or production
Recruit additional staff
Invest in equipment or infrastructure
Open new premises
Launch new products or services
Enter new markets
Fund larger contracts or projects
Support expansion plans

Growth can happen quickly. Having access to the right funding can help you respond to opportunities, manage the costs of expansion and maintain momentum.

Why partner with BEF North East?

As a not-for-profit lender, we work with small businesses across the North East of England.

We'll take the time to understand your business, what you're trying to achieve and why you need finance. We can then help you explore the funding options that may suit your needs and circumstances.

Explore small business loans

Why SME owners choose BEF North East

Not-for-profit finance

We're a not-for-profit lender focused on helping businesses access finance and creating positive social and economic impact across the North of England.

Finance and practical support

Finance is only part of running a business. We combine lending with practical support to help you understand your options and plan for the next stage.

Local knowledge

We're rooted in the North East and understand the local economies, communities and opportunities that shape the businesses we lend to.

A human approach

Every business is different. Our team takes the time to understand your plans and circumstances, giving you clear information so you can make informed decisions about your finance.

Find your SME finance options

Not sure which finance option could work for your business? Our find your finance tool helps you explore the options that may suit your business, what you're trying to achieve and where you are on your journey.

Find your finance

SME finance FAQs

Find answers to common questions about business finance, including who may be eligible, what funding can be used for and how it could help you get your business growing faster.

Find your finance

What can a small business finance be used for?

Can I get finance for working capital?

Can I refinance existing business borrowing?

How much can a small business borrow?

How do I know which finance option is right for my business?