Recommended by the government’s development bank, which helps SMEs get finance
Compare Working Capital Finance Options
Explore real solutions for working capital loans, working capital funding, and short-term business finance—all in one place.
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- Borrow up to £20m from 80+ lenders
- Get expert help throughout the process
- Applying won’t affect your credit score
- Apply in minutes
Compare Working Capital Finance from Trusted Lenders
What is Working Capital Finance?
Working capital finance is a type of funding that helps businesses cover their short-term operational needs—such as paying suppliers, managing payroll, or handling seasonal fluctuations—without disrupting cash flow.
Instead of using long-term loans, working capital finance gives companies flexible access to funds that can be repaid as revenue comes in. It’s especially valuable for SMEs that need to bridge the gap between outgoing expenses and incoming customer payments.
With working capital finance, you can:
- Maintain healthy cash flow during slow payment cycles
- Cover day-to-day expenses like payroll and supplier invoices
- Respond quickly to seasonal or unexpected financial pressures
Working capital finance can take many forms—including overdrafts, invoice finance, and revolving credit facilities—making it a flexible solution to keep your business running smoothly.
Working Capital Finance
Working capital finance provides flexible funding to cover day-to-day expenses, manage seasonality, and keep operations running smoothly. Here are the key benefits for startups and SMEs:
Stronger Cash Flow
Cover payroll, rent, and supplier bills on time without waiting for incoming payments.
Smooth Seasonality
Bridge quieter periods and manage demand spikes without straining your resources.
Flexible Facilities
Choose from revolving credit, overdrafts, invoice finance, or short-term loans to fit your needs.
Unlock Supplier Discounts
Pay early to secure bulk or early-payment discounts and improve margins.
Fast, Repeatable Access
Quick drawdowns and reusable limits help you respond rapidly to opportunities or surprises.
Supports Growth & Resilience
Maintain operational stability while investing in stock, hiring, and marketing to scale.
About Funding Options
Funding Options is our UK partner that makes it simple to compare working capital finance solutions. With one quick application, their Funding Cloud technology assesses your business profile and returns tailored matches from trusted UK lenders, so you can review rates, terms, and eligibility in minutes—without affecting your credit score.
Whether you’re looking for a working capital loan to improve cash flow, need short-term business finance for growth, or want funding to support day-to-day operations, you can compare options alongside wider business finance products such as revolving credit, invoice finance, asset finance, merchant cash advances, bridging loans, and commercial property finance.
How to Compare Finance in Minutes
StartupDeals.co.uk has partnered with Funding Options to give you fast access to a wide choice of UK lenders through one simple form. Their Funding Cloud technology reviews your business profile and returns tailored matches across working capital loans, funding, and short-term business finance. It’s free to apply and initial checks won’t impact 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 tailored quotes instantly
See side-by-side offers from trusted lenders and compare rates, terms, and repayment options 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.
Benefits: Compare Loans with Funding Options
Compare business loans in minutes with one simple application—get tailored matches from 120+ lenders for small business loans, startup business loans and wider business finance, with soft checks and expert support.
Compare in minutes
View tailored working capital finance offers side-by-side to see which lenders best match your business needs./em>.
Soft search checks
Explore funding options with no impact on your credit score—initial checks are quick and risk-free.
Wide product choice
Access flexible options including working capital loans, short-term business finance and more.
Transparent costs
See clear rates, fees, and repayment terms up-front so you can choose the most cost-effective finance.
Fast funding
Many working capital and short-term solutions move from approval to payout quickly, helping you manage cash flow with confidence.
Expert support
From enquiry to payout, Funding Options specialists provide free support—ideal for startups, SMEs, and growing businesses.
Who Can Access Working Capital Finance?
- Business types
- Sole traders, partnerships/LLPs, limited companies, and some nonprofits/social enterprises.
- Stage of business
- Trading 6–24+ months: Access the widest choice of working capital funding with more competitive rates.
- New/pre-revenue: Fewer options may be available, often with smaller amounts, but startup-focused products exist.
- Financial profile
- Lenders assess affordability based on steady cash flow, sensible debt levels, and clean bank activity. Adverse credit doesn’t always mean rejection, but it may limit working capital loan choices or increase pricing.
- Directors & owners
- ID and address checks, UK residency (in many cases), and credit checks on directors or major shareholders. Personal guarantees are common, especially with unsecured working capital loans.
- Security & guarantees
- Unsecured: Quicker and simpler, usually backed by a personal guarantee.
- Secured: Uses assets (e.g. property, receivables, or equipment) to unlock larger amounts at lower rates, but assets are at risk if repayments are missed.
- Use of funds
- Flexible—covering working capital needs such as managing cash flow, paying suppliers, hiring, stock, marketing, refinancing, or consolidation. Some restrictions may apply depending on the lender.
Compare Finance Quotes Today
Find the right working capital loan or funding for your business – fast, simple, and free.
Apply today – no obligation, no impact on your credit score.
Working Capital Finance (FAQ's)
What is working capital finance?
Working capital finance is funding designed to help businesses cover day-to-day expenses such as payroll, stock, and supplier payments, ensuring cash flow remains steady.
How does working capital funding work?
It provides businesses with short-term cash to bridge gaps between outgoing expenses and incoming revenue, helping maintain smooth operations.
What is a working capital loan?
A working capital loan is a type of short-term business finance that provides a lump sum or revolving credit facility to cover operational costs, often repaid in fixed instalments.
What is the difference between working capital finance and a standard business loan?
While a business loan may fund large investments, working capital finance is specifically aimed at short-term needs like covering bills, wages, or supplier invoices.
Who can apply?
Sole traders, SMEs, partnerships, and limited companies can all apply for working capital finance, depending on their trading history and financial profile.
What are the main types of working capital finance?
Options include working capital loans, revolving credit, invoice financing, merchant cash advances, trade finance, and short-term business loans.
Is working capital finance good for startups?
Yes—some lenders provide funding for new or pre-revenue businesses, though amounts may be smaller and products more tailored to startup needs.
What are the advantages of a working capital loan?
Key benefits include quick access to cash, improved cash flow management, flexibility in use, and the ability to keep business operations running smoothly.
What are the disadvantages of working capital finance?
Potential drawbacks include higher interest rates for short-term business finance, the need for personal guarantees, and limited borrowing amounts for newer businesses.
How quickly can I get working capital funding?
Some lenders provide approvals and payouts within 24–48 hours, especially for unsecured working capital loans or revolving credit facilities.
Will applying for working capital finance affect my credit score?
Most providers use soft searches initially, so eligibility checks won’t impact your credit score. A full application may involve a hard credit check.
What can working capital finance be used for?
Funds can be used for payroll, stock, marketing, supplier invoices, utilities, refinancing, or other short-term business needs.
Can I get working capital finance with bad credit?
Yes—while options may be more limited, some lenders specialise in providing working capital loans or funding to businesses with adverse credit.
How do I compare working capital finance options?
You can compare working capital loans, funding, and short-term business finance by looking at interest rates, repayment terms, fees, and lender reputation.
FAQs: About Funding Options
What is Funding Options?
Funding Options is a UK-based business finance marketplace that helps SMEs and startups compare loans, working capital finance, and other funding products from a wide range of lenders.
How does Funding Options work?
Funding Options uses its Funding Cloud technology to assess your business profile and match you with tailored finance offers from banks and alternative lenders in minutes.
an Funding Options help with working capital finance?
Yes—Funding Options specialises in matching businesses with working capital loans, short-term business finance, and other funding solutions to manage cash flow.
Is Funding Options free to use?
Yes, applying through Funding Options is free. Lenders pay a commission when finance is successfully arranged, so businesses don’t pay extra fees to use the service.
Does Funding Options affect my credit score?
Initial checks are “soft” and won’t impact your credit score. A full application with a chosen lender may involve a standard credit check.
Who can apply for finance through Funding Options?
Sole traders, partnerships, limited companies, and SMEs across different industries can apply, as long as they are UK-based and meet lender requirements.
How many lenders does Funding Options work with?
Funding Options partners with 120+ banks, specialist lenders, and alternative finance providers across the UK to give businesses more choice.
Can Funding Options help startups?
Yes—Funding Options offers access to finance designed for new businesses, including startup loans, invoice finance, and smaller working capital facilities.
Is Funding Options regulated by the FCA?
Yes. Funding Options is fully authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This means businesses using the platform are protected by strict standards of transparency and compliance. When comparing finance options, you can trust that Funding Options operates under official UK regulatory oversight.
Where else can I learn about government-backed finance?
The British Business Bank and GOV.UK business finance support pages provide resources on loans, grants, and government-backed funding schemes available to UK businesses.
How long does an application with Funding Options take?
Most applications take only a few minutes to complete online. Once submitted, you’ll usually see potential matches very quickly.
Do I need to provide a business plan?
Not always. Some lenders may ask for supporting documents like a business plan or financial forecasts, while others rely mainly on trading history and bank data.
Can I apply if I’ve already been declined by my bank?
Yes. Many businesses use Funding Options after being declined elsewhere, since the platform works with specialist lenders that consider different criteria.
What documents will I need to apply?
Common requirements include recent bank statements, proof of ID for directors, and company registration details. Exact requirements vary depending on the lender.
Does Funding Options give financial advice?
No. Funding Options helps you compare finance products, but it doesn’t provide regulated financial advice. It’s always best to seek independent advice before committing.
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.
Disclaimer: The content on this website is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to ensure that the information is accurate and up-to-date at the time of publication, please be aware that regulations and circumstances may change. We recommend consulting with a qualified professional for personalised guidance specific to your situation. Additionally, some links on this website may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through those links. Please ensure you read and understand all terms and conditions before making any decisions.