Can you help with the Growth Guarantee Scheme if we’re eligible?
Yes — if your business qualifies, we can match you with Growth Guarantee Scheme providers
Yes. If your company is eligible for the British Business Bank’s Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS), Best Business Loans can introduce you to FCA-authorised lenders and brokers that participate in the scheme. We don’t lend money or give advice, but we use AI-driven matching to connect you with suitable providers and help you prepare a stronger application.
We focus on speed, clarity and fit, so you’re not spending weeks knocking on the wrong doors. Submit a Quick Quote and we’ll assess your profile and make introductions to providers who are actively deploying GGS facilities in your sector.
What the Growth Guarantee Scheme is — and how we support your application
The Growth Guarantee Scheme is the UK government’s successor to the Recovery Loan Scheme, designed to help smaller UK businesses access finance between 1 July 2024 and 31 March 2026. It provides a 70% government-backed guarantee to the lender, not to the borrower.
Eligible businesses can access term loans, overdrafts, asset finance and invoice finance through accredited providers. Lenders still run full underwriting and affordability checks, and pricing varies by provider and product type.
What we do in practical terms
We analyse your business profile, finance purpose, requested amount and sector to identify GGS-aligned options. Then we introduce you to lenders or brokers known to be supporting businesses like yours right now.
This saves time, reduces uncertainty, and helps you present the right information up front. You remain in control of every decision, with no obligation to proceed.
Key features of the Growth Guarantee Scheme
- Products: term loans, overdrafts, asset finance, and invoice finance.
- Guarantee: government guarantees 70% of the lender’s exposure.
- Borrower liability: you remain 100% liable for the debt.
- Typical terms: up to 6 years for term loans and asset finance; typically up to 3 years for overdrafts and invoice finance.
- Availability: run by accredited lenders; application is via those providers.
Important: the guarantee supports the lender’s risk appetite and does not reduce your obligations. Personal guarantees may be requested at the provider’s discretion, but no guarantee can be secured by a Principal Private Residence.
Clear, fair and not misleading
We always present the scheme accurately, including that eligibility and pricing are set by lenders, and approval is not guaranteed. We will never suggest the government pays your loan or that your risk is removed.
Eligibility and documents — what lenders look for
While exact criteria vary by provider, most accredited GGS lenders look for viable UK businesses with a credible repayment plan. They assess trading history, cash flow, sector performance, security available, and the purpose of funds.
The scheme aims to support investment and working capital for UK SMEs, including those in construction, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, retail and other established sectors. Your business should not be in collective insolvency proceedings at the time of application.
Typical eligibility signals
- UK-based business engaged in trading activity.
- Strong business case for the finance and use of funds.
- Demonstrable ability to service repayments from cash flow.
- Acceptable credit history, acknowledging some lenders can be flexible.
- Turnover and loan size within provider and scheme limits.
Lenders may require security or a personal guarantee where appropriate. They must also be satisfied that the facility would not have been offered on similar terms without the scheme’s support.
Documents that help you move faster
- Latest full-year statutory accounts and recent management accounts.
- Business bank statements (typically six months).
- Existing finance schedules and liabilities.
- Cash flow forecasts and a short narrative on use of funds.
- ID and proof of address for directors/beneficial owners.
We’ll outline what the likely lenders want to see so you can upload the right documents first time. That minimises back-and-forth and accelerates decisions.
Sector note: engineering and manufacturing
If you operate in manufacturing or engineering, you may also benefit from asset-backed and cash flow options alongside GGS. See our guidance on engineering business loans for sector-specific insights.
How our AI-powered matching works for GGS requests
Our process is built for clarity and speed while keeping you in control. It’s simple, secure and free to submit an enquiry.
You’ll always know who you’re being introduced to and why they may be a fit. There’s no obligation to proceed with any provider we introduce.
Steps to get started
- Complete the Quick Quote form with details about your business and funding need.
- Our system analyses your profile and identifies relevant GGS and non-GGS options.
- We introduce you to suitable FCA-authorised lenders or brokers who participate in GGS.
- You share documents, discuss terms, and receive an outline of costs and eligibility.
- You choose whether to proceed, compare alternatives, or refine your application.
Because we’re an introducer, not a lender, applications and decisions are handled by the finance providers. We remain available to help you navigate next steps.
Where GGS fits alongside other solutions
- Working capital: term loans or overdrafts under GGS can help smooth cash flow.
- Asset acquisitions: asset finance under GGS can spread the cost of equipment.
- Receivables: invoice finance under GGS can unlock funds tied up in invoices.
If you don’t meet GGS criteria, we may still introduce you to non-scheme commercial options that suit your circumstances. The aim is always to help you find a sensible route forward.
Turnaround times
Timelines vary by provider and complexity, but having your documents ready can markedly speed things up. Straightforward cases can move from introduction to decision in days rather than weeks.
Costs, terms and important disclosures you should know
Pricing under GGS is set by each participating lender, considering risk, sector, product and term. You’ll be told about interest rates, fees and any security or guarantee requirements before you decide.
The government guarantee is provided to the lender, not to you, and it does not reduce your liability to repay. You must meet repayments in full and on time in line with your agreement.
Typical terms you might encounter
- Term loans and asset finance: up to 6 years in many cases.
- Overdrafts and invoice finance: often up to 3 years, with periodic reviews.
- Personal guarantees: may be requested, but no charge can be taken over a Principal Private Residence under the scheme rules.
- Security: lenders may seek security where available and appropriate.
Early repayment policies, arrangement fees and default charges vary by provider. Always read the agreement and ask the lender to explain any points that aren’t clear.
Fair, clear and not misleading — our commitment
- We will never say the government pays your loan; you remain fully liable.
- We will never promise the cheapest rate; pricing is provider-specific and subject to status.
- We will never guarantee approval; lenders make independent decisions.
We encourage you to compare offers and consider affordability carefully. If needed, seek independent professional advice before committing.
Important risks and protections
Missing payments can affect your credit profile and may result in additional charges. Where personal guarantees apply, guarantors may be pursued if the business cannot repay.
Under the scheme, a Principal Private Residence cannot be taken as security. That does not prevent other forms of security or personal guarantees from being requested.
Who we help, and how to take the next step
We’re built for established UK SMEs across sectors such as construction, manufacturing and engineering, logistics, automotive, healthcare, hospitality, retail and professional services. We do not currently support start-ups, sole traders, franchises, property finance or commercial mortgages.
If your business is eligible for the Growth Guarantee Scheme, we can introduce you to providers who are active in your sector. If you’re not eligible, we can still explore adjacent commercial finance routes.
What to do now
- Start your Quick Quote — it takes a couple of minutes.
- Upload the key documents that lenders typically request.
- Review your introductions and discuss outline terms with providers.
There is no obligation to proceed, and submitting an enquiry is free. Your data is handled securely and only shared with relevant, vetted finance professionals.
FAQs — quick answers
Is my home at risk? Under GGS, a Principal Private Residence cannot be taken as security, but you may still be asked for a personal guarantee or other security.
How much can I borrow? Maximum facility sizes are set by the scheme and by the individual lender’s criteria; your sector, turnover and affordability will influence the amount offered.
How long does approval take? Timelines vary, but having up-to-date accounts and bank statements ready can speed up decisions.
Summary: Key takeaways
- We can help eligible UK businesses access the Growth Guarantee Scheme by introducing them to accredited providers.
- The GGS gives lenders a 70% government-backed guarantee, but you remain 100% liable for repayment.
- Products include term loans, overdrafts, asset finance and invoice finance, subject to status and lender criteria.
- We don’t lend or advise; we streamline your journey and help you compare suitable options quickly.
- Submit a Quick Quote today for a free eligibility check and introductions to relevant providers.
Compliance, transparency and who we are
Best Business Loans is an independent introducer helping UK companies find suitable funding providers. We are not a lender and do not provide financial advice or credit broking services.
Any finance is provided by FCA-authorised lenders or brokers, and all applications are subject to their underwriting, terms and eligibility criteria. Information on this page is for general guidance only and may change; always check details with the provider.
Editorial standards and updates
We aim to keep this page accurate and up to date, referencing the British Business Bank where relevant. Last updated: October 2025.
For authoritative scheme details, see the British Business Bank’s official pages. Always confirm current criteria, limits and availability with your chosen lender.
Author
Best Business Loans Editorial Team — UK commercial finance content specialists focused on helping SMEs navigate business funding with clarity and confidence.
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Disclosure and compliance: Best Business Loans operates as an independent introducer and does not provide financial advice or credit broking. Any finance is provided by FCA-authorised providers and is subject to their underwriting, eligibility, status and terms. The Growth Guarantee Scheme is managed by the British Business Bank; availability, criteria and features may change. Information on this page is for general guidance and should not be relied on as advice. Consider seeking independent professional advice before committing to any finance.