Recommended by the government’s development bank, which helps SMEs get finance
Growth Guarantee Scheme
Discover how the UK’s Growth Guarantee Scheme can help your business access government-backed loans.
Powered by:
- Borrow with government-backed support
- Expert guidance on Growth Guarantee Scheme finance
- Applying won’t affect your credit score
- Fast and simple application process
Compare 120 lenders to find the best deal for your circumstances
What is the Growth Guarantee Scheme?
The Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS) is a government-backed initiative designed to help UK small and medium-sized businesses access the finance they need to grow. It provides lenders with a government guarantee, making it easier for them to offer loans to businesses that may not meet standard lending criteria.
The scheme supports a wide range of business needs, including cash flow, investment in equipment, recruitment, and expansion projects. By reducing the risk for lenders, more businesses can secure funding to scale.
With the Growth Guarantee Scheme, businesses can:
- Access loans, overdrafts, invoice finance, and asset finance
- Borrow with reduced risk to the lender through government backing
- Secure funding even with limited collateral or shorter trading history
The Growth Guarantee Scheme replaces the Recovery Loan Scheme and continues to give SMEs the opportunity to access affordable finance, helping them invest, expand, and drive long-term growth.
Growth Guarantee Scheme
The Growth Guarantee Scheme helps viable UK SMEs access finance through accredited lenders, supported by a government-backed guarantee to the lender. Here are the key benefits for businesses seeking to invest, expand, or smooth cash flow:
Improved Access to Funding
A government-backed guarantee to the lender can unlock finance where security or track record are limited.
Range of Facilities
Term loans, overdrafts, asset finance, and invoice finance—choose the facility that fits your needs.
For Growth & Working Capital
Fund investment in people, stock, equipment, or simply smooth day-to-day cash flow.
Flexible Terms
Work with lenders on repayment profiles that align with your trading cycles and plans.
Works Alongside Existing Finance
Complement other funding lines and refinance where appropriate to support expansion.
Backed Confidence
The government guarantee (to the lender, not the borrower) can boost confidence in viable plans.
About Funding Options & the Growth Guarantee Schemes
Funding Options is our trusted UK partner helping businesses access the Growth Guarantee Scheme and other forms of finance. With one quick application, their smart Funding Cloud technology matches your business with 120+ UK lenders, so you can instantly review tailored loan options — including those backed by the government — without affecting your credit score.
Whether you’re a startup exploring funding, an SME seeking business finance for growth, or you need working capital to manage cash flow, Funding Options helps you compare Growth Guarantee Scheme loans alongside a wide range of products such as secured and unsecured lending, asset and invoice finance, merchant cash advance, bridging loans, and commercial property finance.
How to compare business loans in minutes
Startupdeals.co.uk has partnered with Funding Options to give you fast access to more than 120 UK lenders through a single, simple form. Their Funding Cloud technology reviews your business profile and returns tailored matches across business finance products so you can compare business loans quickly and confidently. It’s free to apply and the initial checks do not affect your credit score.
Tell us about your business
Share how much you need, what it’s for, and key details so we can compare business loans matched to your profile.
Compare quotes instantly
Funding Options compare your details against 120+ lenders so you can see tailored finance quotes in seconds.
Apply and get your funding
Apply for finance and initial checks won’t affect your credit score. Receive funds into your account.
Choosing the right loan type
Your goals, cash flow and security available will shape the best fit. Use the tiles below to compare loan types and to explore wider business finance options.
Unsecured Business Loans
Borrow without collateral. Quick decisions; may require a personal guarantee.
Secured Business Loans
Backed by assets for lower rates and larger amounts.
Working Capital / Short-Term Finance
Cover day-to-day costs and short cash-flow gaps.
Revolving Credit Facility
Flexible line of credit — pay interest only on what you use.
Asset Finance
Hire purchase or leasing for vehicles, machinery and equipment.
Invoice Finance
Release cash tied up in invoices (factoring & discounting).
Merchant Cash Advance
Repay via a % of future card sales — flexible with turnover.
Commercial Property Finance
Commercial mortgages & development finance.
Bridging Loans
Short-term funding to bridge a purchase, sale or refinance.
Growth Guarantee Scheme
Government-backed lending via accredited providers.
Bad-Credit Business Loans
Options for thinner files or weaker credit profiles.
Startup Business Loans
Funding to launch or grow a new business—often unsecured, with flexible criteria for early-stage companies.
Who Can Apply for the Growth Guarantee Scheme?
- Business types
- Sole traders, partnerships/LLPs, limited companies, and certain nonprofits/social enterprises may be eligible under the Growth Guarantee Scheme.
- Stage of business
- Trading 6–24+ months: Widest choice of lenders and sharper pricing under the scheme.
- New/pre-revenue: Fewer options, but some Growth Guarantee Scheme startup finance products are available.
- Financial profile
- Lenders assess affordability — including cash flow, debt levels, and bank activity. While adverse credit doesn’t automatically exclude you, it may affect eligibility or loan pricing.
- Directors & owners
- Standard ID and address checks apply, often requiring UK residency. Lenders may also carry out credit checks on directors or major shareholders. Personal guarantees are common, particularly for unsecured Growth Guarantee Scheme loans.
- Security & guarantees
- Unsecured Loans: Faster, simpler, often requiring a personal guarantee.
- Secured Loans: Backed by assets (property, equipment, receivables) — may unlock larger loan amounts with lower rates, but assets may be at risk if repayments aren’t met.
- Use of funds
- Funds can be used for a wide range of business purposes: working capital, hiring, stock, equipment/vehicles, fit-outs, marketing, refinancing, or consolidation. Some restrictions may apply depending on the lender.
Compare Growth Guarantee Scheme Options Today
Find the right loan for your business – its fast and free
Apply today – no obligation, no impact on your credit score
FAQs: Growth Guarantee Scheme (UK)
What is the Growth Guarantee Scheme?
The Growth Guarantee Scheme is a government-backed finance programme designed to help UK businesses, including startups and SMEs, access loans and funding for growth.
Who is eligible for the Growth Guarantee Scheme?
Eligibility depends on your business type, trading history, and financial profile. Sole traders, startups, limited companies, and some nonprofits may qualify.
How does the Growth Guarantee Scheme support business finance?
The scheme provides access to lenders who offer government-backed loans, making it easier for SMEs to secure funding even with limited collateral.
Can startups apply for the Growth Guarantee Scheme?
Yes — while options may be more limited for pre-revenue businesses, some lenders participating in the scheme do support startups.
What types of finance are available under the Growth Guarantee Scheme?
You can access term loans, overdrafts, invoice finance, asset finance, and other tailored products depending on your business needs.
Will applying for the Growth Guarantee Scheme affect my credit score?
Initial eligibility checks are usually soft searches, so your credit score won’t be impacted when comparing options.
How much can I borrow through the Growth Guarantee Scheme?
Businesses may be able to borrow up to £2 million (subject to lender assessment and scheme terms).
What documents do I need to apply for the Growth Guarantee Scheme?
Typically, ID, proof of address, bank statements, and financial forecasts may be required. Lenders may also request additional details depending on your circumstances.
Can I get Growth Guarantee Scheme finance with bad credit?
Yes — adverse credit doesn’t automatically disqualify you, but it may limit your options or affect pricing. The scheme is designed to widen access to finance.
How quickly can I access funds through the Growth Guarantee Scheme?
With the right documents, some lenders can approve and release funds within days, though timescales vary by lender and loan type.
What interest rates should I expect with Growth Guarantee Scheme loans?
Rates vary by lender, your financial profile, and the loan product. While the scheme is government-backed, interest and fees are set by lenders.
Do I need to provide security or a personal guarantee?
Many Growth Guarantee Scheme loans require a personal guarantee. Some may also be secured against assets, particularly for larger amounts.
Why should SMEs consider the Growth Guarantee Scheme over other finance options?
The scheme provides government-backed reassurance to lenders, increasing the chances of approval for SMEs and startups that might otherwise struggle to secure finance.
Are government-backed schemes available for SMEs?
At times, UK lenders offer government-backed guarantees (e.g., Growth Guarantee-style programmes when available). Eligibility and availability change—check current criteria.
Where can I learn more about the Growth Guarantee Scheme?
You can find official details about the Growth Guarantee Scheme, including eligibility criteria and participating lenders, on the British Business Bank website
FAQs: About Funding Options
Is Funding Options a lender or a broker?
Funding Options is a broker, not a direct lender. They help businesses access the Growth Guarantee Scheme and other finance options by matching you with suitable UK lenders.
Does using Funding Options affect my credit score?
No — Funding Options uses soft credit checks when assessing Growth Guarantee Scheme eligibility and other products, so comparing options won’t affect your score.
How does Funding Options match my business to lenders?
Their Funding Cloud technology reviews your business profile and connects you to lenders — including those participating in the Growth Guarantee Scheme — that best fit your needs.
Are there any fees for using Funding Options?
No — Funding Options is free to use. You can explore Growth Guarantee Scheme business finance and other products without paying a broker fee.
Can startups use Funding Options?
Yes — Funding Options works with lenders who provide finance for startups, including selected options under the Growth Guarantee Scheme for startups.
How fast can Funding Options help me secure funding?
With the right documents, you could receive tailored Growth Guarantee Scheme loan offers in minutes, and in some cases funding can be secured within a few days.
What loan types can I compare through Funding Options?
You can access term loans, overdrafts, invoice finance, asset finance, and more — alongside government-backed products like the Growth Guarantee Scheme.
Is Funding Options safe to use?
Yes — Funding Options is FCA regulated and trusted by thousands of UK businesses to compare lenders, including those offering the Growth Guarantee Scheme.
FAQs: About Startup Deals
Do StartupDeals provide business loans directly?
No — StartupDeals does not lend money directly. We work as an introducer partner with Funding Options, who connect UK businesses to more than 120 lenders through their regulated platform.
Is StartupDeals paid by Funding Options?
Yes — if you are successfully matched with a lender and take out finance, StartupDeals may receive a commission from Funding Options. This comes at no extra cost to you as the customer.
Can I trust StartupDeals when applying for a business loan?
Yes — StartupDeals is a trusted affiliate partner of Funding Options. Funding Options is FCA-regulated, and all loan applications are handled securely by them, ensuring compliance and transparency.
Why does StartupDeals recommend Funding Options?
At StartupDeals, our goal is to help startups, sole traders, and SMEs access the tools and services they need to grow. We recommend Funding Options because they provide access to a wide network of over 120 UK lenders — from high street banks to specialist and alternative finance providers. This means that instead of applying to lenders one by one, businesses can complete a single application and quickly see tailored funding options side by side.
Funding Options also uses secure technology to match businesses with lenders most suited to their profile, making the process faster and more efficient. For startups, this can be particularly valuable, as many lenders on the platform specialise in supporting early-stage businesses.
By partnering with Funding Options, we can introduce our audience to a trusted, FCA-regulated broker where they can explore some of the best business loan options in the UK, compare rates and terms, and find funding that may fit their circumstances — all in one place.
Does StartupDeals decide if my business loan is approved?
No — StartupDeals does not make lending decisions. All applications are assessed by Funding Options and their panel of lenders. Approval depends entirely on the lender’s criteria.
Is StartupDeals regulated to provide credit?
StartupDeals does not provide credit directly and is not a lender. We act as an introducer to Funding Options, who are FCA-regulated and work only with authorised UK lenders.
Will it cost me extra to use StartupDeals?
No — you won’t pay any additional fees by applying through StartupDeals. If you proceed with a loan, StartupDeals may receive a commission from Funding Options, but this does not affect the cost of your finance.
Who handles my data if I apply for a loan?
Your loan application and personal data are handled securely by Funding Options, not StartupDeals. They use regulated systems and strict data protection measures to keep your information safe.
Does StartupDeals provide financial advice?
No — StartupDeals does not provide personalised financial or lending advice. We introduce businesses to Funding Options so they can compare loan options. All content on StartupDeals.co.uk is created to be impartial and informative. It is designed to help startups and SMEs explore tools, services, and funding options available in the UK. The information is not intended as financial advice. For tailored guidance, you should seek advice from a qualified financial professional.
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