Small business loans

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.

Whether you're looking to improve cash flow, invest in your operations or strengthen your business for the future, access to the right funding can make a real difference.

Find your finance

Why get a small business loan?

You may need finance to:

Manage cash flow and working capital
Purchase equipment or vehicles
Invest in systems and technology
Recruit and train staff
Expand your products or services
Take advantage of new opportunities

Whether you need to respond to an immediate need or invest in your business for the future, the right finance can give you the flexibility to move forward.

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?