Can you help me explore eligibility for the Growth Guarantee Scheme?

Yes — Best Business Loans can help you explore eligibility for the UK Growth Guarantee Scheme by matching your business with accredited lenders or specialist brokers who actively offer these facilities. We don’t provide loans directly, but we guide you through what lenders look for, what documents to prepare, and how to get a fast indication of eligibility. Submit a Quick Quote and we’ll connect you with suitable providers for a free, no-obligation eligibility check.

Understanding the Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS)

The Growth Guarantee Scheme is a UK government-backed initiative delivered by the British Business Bank through accredited lenders. It supports access to finance for eligible UK businesses that would benefit from a lender guarantee. The guarantee is provided to the lender, not the borrower, and the borrower always remains 100% liable for the debt.

What the scheme offers

GGS typically covers term loans, overdrafts, asset finance and invoice finance. Facility sizes and terms vary by product and lender, with term loans and asset finance often available up to six years, and overdrafts and invoice finance typically up to three years. Maximum funding limits usually go up to £2 million per business, subject to lender policy and subsidy controls.

Who runs the scheme

The British Business Bank accredits lenders and sets high-level rules, while each lender applies its own underwriting criteria. Providers include high-street banks, challenger banks, asset financiers and specialist invoice finance firms. Availability can differ by sector, region and risk profile.

Costs and security

Interest rates and fees are set by lenders and are not capped by the scheme. Security may be required, and personal guarantees can be requested in line with lender policy. A lender cannot take a borrower’s principal private residence as security for a GGS facility.

Important disclaimer

A government guarantee does not mean automatic approval or lower rates. It reduces lender risk but does not change your obligation to repay or your legal responsibilities under the agreement.

Answer first, explain second — summary: GGS can help eligible UK businesses access finance when security or risk appetite is a barrier. The government guarantee supports the lender’s decision, but you remain fully liable for repayments and costs.

Core eligibility: who typically qualifies?

While final decisions rest with accredited lenders, there are common eligibility themes that can guide your expectations. These criteria indicate whether your business is likely to be considered for a GGS-backed facility. Use them as a sense-check before you apply.

Key requirements most lenders expect

UK-based business generating trading activity in the UK.
Turnover typically up to £45 million for SME applicants.
A viable business proposition with the ability to repay.
No collective insolvency proceedings or unmanaged arrears.
Facility to be used for legitimate business purposes.

Some sectors are usually excluded, such as banks, building societies, insurers (but not brokers), public-sector bodies and state-funded schools. Certain sector-specific subsidy limits or conditions may also apply.

What “viable” means in practice

Lenders look for evidence that your business can meet ongoing obligations under stress. This often includes stable or improving trading performance, clear use of funds and sensible debt servicing ratios. Historic profitability helps, but strong forward contracts or recurring revenues can also be persuasive.

Security, guarantees and ownership

Lenders may take security and can ask for personal guarantees where appropriate. The scheme does not allow a lender to use a principal private residence as security. Shareholding structure, directors’ experience and sector track record all influence risk appetite.

Not supported by Best Business Loans

We currently do not support start-ups, sole traders, franchises, property finance or commercial mortgages. Our focus is on established UK companies and LLPs seeking working capital, investment or refinancing.

Sector spotlight: agriculture

Farming and agri-related businesses can be eligible, subject to lender policy and subsidy rules. If you operate in this space, explore our sector hub for context on equipment, seasonal cash flow and asset finance. See our guide to farming loans and agriculture finance for more detail.

How we help you check eligibility quickly

Best Business Loans uses a straightforward, people-first process powered by AI-driven matching to find relevant providers. We aim to save you time and focus your efforts on lenders that are actively open to your sector and profile. There’s no obligation to proceed after your initial enquiry.

Our 4-step matching process

Complete a Quick Quote form with your business details and funding goal.
Our technology assesses your profile against live lender criteria in our network.
We introduce you to suitable lenders or approved brokers who can discuss GGS options.
You compare proposals and decide what’s best for your cash flow and plans.

This approach reduces blind applications and duplicated credit checks. It also helps you navigate differences between term loans, asset finance, overdrafts and invoice finance under the scheme.

What you’ll typically need to share

Basic company and director details.
Latest filed accounts and recent management figures.
Bank statements (usually three to six months).
Summary of existing debts and any security already pledged.
Use of funds and a simple forecast or pipeline if relevant.

Why use BestBusinessLoans.ai?

We connect you with active providers faster, without promising “lowest rates” or “guaranteed approvals.” Our role is to improve your route to relevant finance conversations. You stay in control of every decision.

Start now: Submit your Quick Quote for a free eligibility check, decision in principle, or options assessment for the Growth Guarantee Scheme.

What lenders look for: documents, timelines and approval signals

Being prepared increases your chances of a smooth process and better terms. Lenders assess affordability, stability and risk mitigants before issuing a formal offer. Timelines vary by product, security and complexity.

Typical underwriting focus areas

Affordability: EBITDA coverage, cash flow headroom and seasonality.
Trading outlook: order book, contracts, recurring revenue and churn.
Balance sheet: leverage, asset cover and working capital cycle.
Management: sector experience and execution track record.
Security: debentures, asset charges or guarantees where proportionate.

Invoice and asset finance may lean more on the quality of receivables or assets. Term loans and overdrafts tend to emphasise affordability and stability of earnings.

Common timelines

Initial indication: 24–72 hours after a complete enquiry.
Underwriting to offer: typically 5–15 working days depending on complexity.
Drawdown: once conditions are met, security is perfected and documents are signed.

Expect faster timelines for standard asset or invoice finance, and longer for multi-entity groups or complex security. Clear and complete information helps keep timelines tight.

Refinancing and consolidation

Many lenders use GGS to refinance existing facilities where appropriate, including consolidating multiple debts into a clearer structure. Refinancing can be considered if it improves affordability or resilience. Lenders will test that your business is better off overall after the change.

Don’t overextend

Only borrow what your cash flow can support in downside scenarios. GGS is helpful, but it is not a subsidy or a grant, and interest and fees still apply.

FAQs, risks and next steps

The answers below reflect how lenders commonly apply the Growth Guarantee Scheme. Exact policies differ between providers and can change over time. Always review your lender’s facility letter and any accompanying guidance.

Is the Growth Guarantee Scheme a grant or subsidy to me?

No. The scheme provides a partial guarantee to the lender, not to you. You remain 100% liable for the debt, interest and fees at all times.

What products are available under GGS?

Term loans, overdrafts, asset finance and invoice finance are typically in scope. Availability and facility size depend on the lender and your eligibility profile.

What is the maximum I can borrow?

Lenders commonly cap facilities at up to £2 million per business, subject to their own policies. Sectoral and regional subsidy rules may also affect maximums.

Do I need security or a personal guarantee?

Security and guarantees are assessed case by case by the lender. A principal private residence cannot be taken as security under GGS.

Can start-ups apply?

The scheme focuses on established trading businesses. Best Business Loans currently does not support start-up or sole trader enquiries.

Will applying affect my credit score?

Lenders and brokers may perform credit searches during assessment. Multiple uncoordinated applications can create unnecessary footprints, which is why a focused introduction helps.

Are interest rates lower because of the guarantee?

Not necessarily. Pricing reflects risk, product type and lender policy. The guarantee supports the lender’s risk management, but it does not guarantee lower rates.

Can I use GGS to refinance existing debt?

Often yes, if the refinance improves your financial position or resilience. Your lender must be satisfied that the new facility is appropriate and affordable.

How fast can I get a decision in principle?

With complete information, some lenders can give an indication within 24–72 hours. Complex structures or security can extend timelines.

How do I start?

Submit a Quick Quote through BestBusinessLoans.ai. We’ll match you with relevant lenders or brokers for a no-obligation eligibility check.

Key takeaways

GGS is a lender guarantee — you remain fully liable for repayments.
Eligibility hinges on viability, affordability and UK trading status.
Products include term loans, overdrafts, asset finance and invoice finance.
Bring up-to-date financials, bank statements and a clear use-of-funds story.
We connect you with accredited providers to save time and reduce guesswork.

Compliance, transparency and fairness

Best Business Loans is an independent introducer, not a lender or broker, and does not provide financial advice. All information here is for general guidance only and may change; always confirm current scheme details with the British Business Bank and your lender. Financial promotions should be clear, fair and not misleading — we aim to ensure transparent, balanced information to help you make informed decisions.

Next step: Get your free Quick Quote for a Growth Guarantee Scheme eligibility check or decision in principle — fast, secure and no obligation.

About Best Business Loans

BestBusinessLoans.ai helps established UK businesses compare commercial finance options using AI-enabled matching and a trusted network of providers. We support working capital, equipment, vehicles, invoice finance, asset finance and GGS-backed facilities. We do not support start-ups, sole traders, franchises, property finance or commercial mortgages.

Updated: October 2025