What is the Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS)?

The Growth Guarantee Scheme is a UK government-backed loan guarantee programme delivered by the British Business Bank through accredited lenders. It aims to help viable SMEs access finance. The guarantee supports the lender’s risk; borrowers remain 100% liable for repayment.

Are start-ups eligible for the Growth Guarantee Scheme?

Eligibility depends on lender and scheme rules. As a platform, we currently do not support start-ups or sole traders. We primarily help established UK businesses across sectors like construction, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, retail and hospitality.

How long does a Growth Guarantee Scheme application take?

Indicative eligibility or a decision in principle can be provided within days when information is complete. Final approval times vary depending on underwriting, security checks and scheme compliance. Providing full documentation upfront speeds up the process.

Do you support applications under the Growth Guarantee Scheme?

Q: Do you support applications under the Growth Guarantee Scheme?

Yes. Best Business Loans supports UK businesses seeking Growth Guarantee Scheme funding by introducing you to suitable accredited lenders and specialist brokers. We do not lend or make credit decisions; any facility is subject to lender assessment, scheme rules, and your business circumstances.

Q: What facility types and terms are available under GGS?

Participating lenders may offer term loans, overdrafts, asset finance and invoice finance. Terms commonly extend up to six years for term loans and asset finance, and up to three years for overdrafts and invoice finance. Facility sizes and pricing vary by lender and your business profile, and upper limits often reach up to £2 million per business in most of the UK, subject to scheme and lender limits.

Q: Do I need to provide security or a personal guarantee?

Security and personal guarantees may be required at the lender’s discretion. Your principal private residence cannot be taken as security under the scheme. Lenders will explain any guarantees and risks before you commit.

Yes — we support Growth Guarantee Scheme enquiries as an introducer

Yes. Best Business Loans supports UK businesses that want to explore funding delivered under the Growth Guarantee Scheme by matching your enquiry with suitable accredited lenders and experienced brokers. We do not lend or make credit decisions; we help you find relevant providers and assess your eligibility quickly. Any facility offered will be subject to lender criteria, British Business Bank scheme rules, credit checks, and your business circumstances.

The Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS) is a UK government-backed loan guarantee programme delivered by the British Business Bank via accredited lenders. It aims to improve access to finance for viable small and medium-sized businesses across the UK. The government provides a guarantee to the lender, not to you as the borrower, and you remain 100% liable for the debt.

Through our AI-driven matching, we introduce you to providers that are active in your sector, comfortable with your funding purpose, and participating in the scheme. This saves you time contacting multiple firms and helps you move from enquiry to decision in principle more efficiently. There is no obligation to proceed and no fee to submit your Quick Quote with us.

What we do vs what lenders do

We help you understand your options, check basic eligibility, and connect you with lenders or brokers who may offer GGS-backed facilities. We do not provide advice on regulated products or guarantee approval or rates. Lenders complete underwriting, set terms, and issue offers where appropriate.

Important scheme reminder

The GGS guarantee supports the lender’s risk; it is not a grant or guarantee for the borrower. You must be confident the repayments are affordable under realistic assumptions. Carefully review all costs, covenants, and conditions before proceeding.

Who we currently do not support

We do not currently support start-ups, sole traders, franchises, property finance, or commercial mortgage applications. If your business is established and operates in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, retail, hospitality, or professional services, we are more likely to help.

How the Growth Guarantee Scheme works and who may qualify

The Growth Guarantee Scheme launched on 1 July 2024 and is expected to run until 31 March 2026, subject to change and lender participation. It succeeds the Recovery Loan Scheme and is designed to help viable UK SMEs access finance for growth, investment, and cash flow. Availability varies by provider, and not all lenders will offer every facility type.

Typical facility types under GGS include term loans, overdrafts, invoice finance, and asset finance. Terms commonly extend up to six years for term loans and asset finance and up to three years for overdrafts and invoice finance. Facility sizes can vary, and upper limits are often up to £2 million per business in most of the UK, with a lower cap in Northern Ireland, subject to subsidy and lender limits.

Common eligibility features include being UK-based in business activity with turnover up to £45 million, with certain sector exclusions such as banks, building societies, insurers and reinsurers (insurance brokers may be eligible), public-sector bodies, and state-funded primary and secondary schools. Final criteria, including viability assessments, are set by the lender in line with British Business Bank rules, which may be updated.

Security and guarantees

Security can be taken at the lender’s discretion and may include personal guarantees. Your principal private residence cannot be taken as security under the scheme. Where personal guarantees are required, lenders will explain the scope and risk clearly so you can make an informed decision.

Costs and transparency

Rates and fees depend on your business profile, facility type, and lender appetite. Lenders will provide full cost disclosures before you commit. As an introducer, we do not set rates or charge you a fee for submitting a Quick Quote, and you are under no obligation to proceed.

Keeping information accurate and up to date

Scheme rules and lender criteria can evolve. We recommend reviewing the latest British Business Bank guidance and the lender’s terms at the time you apply. Our role is to help you navigate options and reach providers equipped to assess your case promptly.

What to expect when you enquire with Best Business Loans

Submit a Quick Quote, and our AI-guided system will analyse your business profile, funding purpose, and sector to identify suitable lenders or brokers. We prioritise providers participating in the Growth Guarantee Scheme where it fits your needs. You stay in control throughout, with no obligation to accept any offer.

Once connected, you may receive an eligibility view or decision in principle, subject to underwriting and documentation. Timescales vary, but straightforward applications with complete information can move quickly. More complex cases or those requiring security valuations can take longer.

To speed things up, have core documents ready. This reduces back-and-forth and helps lenders make a well-informed decision. Accurate, recent information improves the quality of your outcome and reduces delays.

Documents and information checklist

Last two years’ filed accounts and recent management accounts.
Six months’ business bank statements and current aged debtor/creditor lists.
Details of existing borrowing and any security or debentures in place.
Business plan or growth summary, including use of funds and expected ROI.
Cash flow forecasts showing affordability under realistic assumptions.
Ownership structure, director details, and any adverse credit explanations.
For invoice or asset finance, schedules of invoices or asset specifications.

Decision timelines and next steps

Indicative eligibility can be assessed within days when information is complete. Final offers depend on underwriting, security checks, and scheme compliance. If a GGS facility is not the best fit, we may introduce non-scheme alternatives such as asset finance, invoice finance, or cash flow loans.

Your responsibilities

Ensure information is accurate and not misleading. Consider independent professional advice if you are unsure about suitability or risks. Only proceed if you are confident the repayments are affordable and the facility supports your long-term goals.

Fair, clear, and not misleading — costs, risks, and compliance

We aim to make our information fair, clear, and not misleading in line with UK standards and guidance. We are an independent introducer and do not provide regulated financial advice or lend directly. Any funding you take will be subject to the lender’s terms and regulatory status.

All costs, including interest, fees, and charges, are set by the provider and will be disclosed before you commit. Business finance pricing may be shown as an interest rate, a flat rate, or a fee-based structure depending on the product. APRs are not always applicable to business lending, particularly for revolving or invoice finance.

Repayments will affect your cash flow, and missed payments could impact your credit profile or result in enforcement of security. The government guarantee supports the lender’s risk appetite but does not remove your obligations. Carefully assess affordability, covenants, and any personal guarantees before signing.

Data handling and privacy

We handle your information securely and share it only with relevant finance professionals for the purpose of assessing your enquiry. We never sell your data. You can request deletion or updates to your data in line with applicable laws and our privacy practices.

Transparent positioning

We do not claim to have every lender or to always secure the lowest rate. Our goal is to connect you with credible, relevant funding partners who can genuinely help. You can decline any introduction or offer at any time.

Google and ASA-aligned communications

We avoid exaggerated claims and disclose important information about eligibility, costs, and risks. Where legal or scheme rules require specific wording, providers will include these in their documentation. If you need clarity on any point, ask for further information before you proceed.

Use cases, industries, and how to start your eligibility check

The Growth Guarantee Scheme can support a wide range of business needs when a lender believes your case is viable. Common uses include working capital to stabilise cash flow, investment in equipment or vehicles, refurbishment or fit-out, and funding to support expansion. Refinancing existing debt may be possible where it improves your financial position.

We commonly support established businesses in construction, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, retail, hospitality, professional services, automotive, and more. If you operate in food production, processing, or hospitality, explore our dedicated page on food industry finance for sector-specific guidance and options. Sector familiarity helps lenders assess risk and structure facilities that suit your operations.

To begin, complete your Quick Quote for a free eligibility check and decision-in-principle pathway. Our AI-driven matching will route your enquiry to participating providers where appropriate, including those offering GGS-backed facilities. You’ll receive introductions to relevant lenders or brokers and can compare options before deciding what is best for your business.

Key takeaways

We support applications under the Growth Guarantee Scheme by introducing you to accredited lenders and specialist brokers.
The GGS guarantee is to the lender, not to you; you remain fully liable for repayment.
Typical facilities include term loans, overdrafts, asset finance, and invoice finance, with terms commonly up to 6 years for loans and asset finance.
Eligibility and pricing depend on your business profile, sector, and lender criteria; not all businesses will qualify.
Submitting a Quick Quote is free, secure, and without obligation — get matched and review options before you commit.

Ready to check eligibility?

Start your Quick Quote now for a fast, no-obligation introduction to providers who may support your Growth Guarantee Scheme requirements. If GGS is not the right route, we will help you explore alternatives such as asset finance, invoice finance, or cash flow loans. Smart UK business finance — powered by AI, focused on your goals.

Important information: Best Business Loans acts as an independent introducer. We do not give financial advice or lend. Eligibility, rates, and terms are set by providers and may change. The Growth Guarantee Scheme is delivered by the British Business Bank through accredited lenders and is subject to scheme rules. The guarantee is provided to the lender, not the borrower. Consider professional advice if you are unsure about suitability or risks. Updated October 2025.