What happens after I submit my Quick Quote—what are the next steps?
Quick answer
After you submit your Quick Quote we confirm your enquiry, analyse your business profile using our AI matching system, and introduce you to suitable lenders or brokers.
You remain in control throughout: introductions are optional, there’s no fee to submit, and we never lend directly.
Immediate confirmation and what we collect
Once you hit submit you’ll receive an on-screen acknowledgement and a confirmation email with a reference number.
That message summarises the details you supplied and explains how we handle your data, including who may see it and why.
We only collect the information needed to match you with lenders or brokers, such as business sector, turnover, funding amount required and the purpose of the loan.
We clearly state that Best Business Loans is an introducer and does not provide loans or regulated advice, so you know our role from the start.
If you have immediate questions you can reply to the confirmation email or contact our UK support team at hello@bestbusinessloans.ai.
What this means for you
You’ll have a clear paper trail and a single reference number to use when contacting us or any introduced provider.
This helps avoid duplicate submissions and keeps the process compliant and transparent.
Our AI analysis and initial suitability check
After confirming your Quick Quote, our AI system runs an initial suitability analysis against our lender and broker network.
The AI checks high-level eligibility, common sector exclusions and likely funding types (for example, asset finance, invoice finance or cashflow loans).
This step is automated to speed up the process and to filter out providers that are not actively lending to your sector or size of business.
We may also flag potential issues that lenders typically look for, such as short trading history, low asset coverage or existing arrears.
If something in your Quick Quote suggests a specific lender requirement, we’ll tell you so you can prepare supporting documents in advance.
How long this takes
AI matching is usually completed within a few hours but can sometimes take up to one working day if we need to validate industry-specific inputs.
Where manual review is required, we’ll let you know an estimated timeframe in the confirmation email.
Introductions to lenders or brokers and what to expect
When matches are found we introduce you to up to a small number of lenders or commercial brokers who best fit your needs.
Introductions are made by email unless you ask for a phone contact; you can accept, decline or ask for more detail from any provider we suggest.
Each introduction includes a short rationale explaining why the match was made and an outline of what the provider may request next.
Providers you are introduced to will typically provide an initial, indicative response — sometimes called an eligibility check, Decision in Principle (DIP) or pre-approval.
Indicative responses are not final offers; they indicate whether the provider sees a viable route to funding based on the information provided.
What to prepare for provider contact
Common early requests are recent accounts, bank statements, a short business plan or evidence of assets to be financed.
Having these documents ready speeds the process and demonstrates readiness to potential lenders.
From indicative offers to formal application
If a provider issues an indicative offer you can choose to pursue a formal application with them directly or via the broker we introduced.
A formal application typically requires more detailed documentation and a credit or affordability assessment by the lender.
Some lenders will perform a soft-search credit check at the DIP stage; others will wait until you authorise a full application that may include a hard-search.
We will always tell you if an introduced provider is likely to perform a credit search and whether it is soft or hard, so you can consent before anything affects your credit file.
At this stage you can compare terms, ask for clarification on fees and repayment schedules, and request time to consult your accountant or adviser.
Decision and completion
Once the lender completes underwriting and you accept their terms, documents are signed and funds are released in accordance with the lender’s timescales.
Settlement times vary by product: invoice finance and many asset finance deals can complete quickly, while complex refinance or government-backed schemes can take longer.
After funding: relationship management and next steps
After funds are drawn you’ll usually deal directly with the lender or broker for repayments, covenant reporting or facility management.
If you used a broker, they often stay involved to manage the relationship and help with any future refinancing or top-ups.
Best Business Loans remains available if you want to be introduced to alternative offers later or need help understanding the terms you signed.
We also offer follow-up resources and guides tailored to typical post-funding needs such as cashflow forecasting and asset maintenance.
If your business needs further funding in the future you can re-submit a Quick Quote and we’ll start the matching process afresh.
Common questions people ask next
Will submitting a Quick Quote affect my credit score?
Submitting a Quick Quote with Best Business Loans does not affect your credit score because we only use the details you provide for matching.
Introduced providers will tell you whether their next step involves a soft or hard credit search before they proceed.
Do you charge for introductions or share my data?
It’s free to submit a Quick Quote and we do not charge business users for introductions.
We only share your data with selected lenders or brokers who are likely to be able to help and we provide clear information about data sharing in our confirmation email.
Can you help with a small business loan for my sector?
We commonly help established UK businesses across many sectors, including construction, manufacturing, logistics and hospitality.
For sector-specific information see our small business loans page: https://bestbusinessloans.ai/industry/small-business-loans/.
Clear, fair and compliant process
We operate as an independent introducer and are clear that we do not provide regulated advice or lend directly.
We aim to keep communications fair, clear and not misleading, in line with FCA and ASA guidance for financial promotions.
If any introduced product is regulated, the provider will make the appropriate disclosures and confirm their regulatory status.
How to get the best result from your Quick Quote
- Provide accurate turnover and sector details so AI matching is precise.
- Upload recent accounts and bank statements when asked to speed provider decisions.
- Respond promptly to provider requests for clarification or additional documents.
- Ask providers whether they will perform soft or hard credit searches before giving consent.
- Use our support team if you want guidance before accepting any offer.
Key takeaways
Submit a Quick Quote and you get fast confirmation, an AI suitability check, and introductions to suitable lenders or brokers.
Indicative responses and DIPs help you compare options without obligation; formal applications follow at your instruction.
Best Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender, and we prioritise transparent, compliant introductions so you can make an informed decision.