Do you support sole traders or start-up farms?

Short answer: not at this time — but we can help established farms and limited companies

No. Best Business Loans does not currently support sole traders or new start-up farms. We work best for established UK businesses, typically limited companies or LLPs with trading history, including those in agriculture and agri-services.

If your farm is already trading with filed accounts or strong management information, we can help you explore suitable finance providers. If you’re a sole trader or just starting out, we’ve set out clear next steps and alternative routes below.

Who we can help today

We typically support established UK limited companies and LLPs across sectors such as agriculture, construction, logistics, and manufacturing. Agricultural businesses we can assist include arable, livestock, horticulture, dairies, and agri-engineering firms with proven revenue.

Typical use cases include equipment upgrades, vehicle finance, cash flow smoothing, seasonal inputs, and energy-efficiency improvements. We’ll match your business profile to finance providers that are active in your sector.

Who we cannot currently support

We are not set up for sole traders, start-ups, franchises, property finance, or commercial mortgages. That includes newly formed farms without trading history or filed accounts.

This policy helps keep our matching relevant and time-efficient for both businesses and finance providers. It also ensures promotions remain fair, clear, and not misleading about who is likely to qualify.

Why these limits exist

Many commercial lenders require evidence of trading performance, security, and sector stability. Without that, applications often fail, which wastes time and risks unnecessary credit checks.

By focusing on established firms, we improve match quality and keep your journey fast, transparent, and useful.

If you’re a sole trader or a start-up farm: practical routes and how to prepare

Although we can’t match you right now, you can take steps that may improve eligibility for future finance. Getting your financial foundations right early will save time and cost later.

Below is a practical plan you can follow, plus alternative routes to explore in the meantime.

Steps to strengthen your position

• Build 12–24 months of trading history with clear management accounts and a business bank account.
• Create a concise business plan showing production volumes, routes to market, margins, and seasonality.
• Stabilise cash flow with realistic budgets and rolling 13-week cash forecasts.
• Keep records up to date: invoices, VAT returns, SA302s (if applicable), and bank statements.
• Consider forming a limited company if appropriate and advised by your accountant.
• Monitor personal and business credit files; correct errors and avoid missed payments.

Alternative finance routes to consider

• Government or regional start-up programmes and grants for rural development.
• Equipment supplier finance on specific machinery, often with promotional terms.
• Local farming co-operatives and industry bodies that signpost early-stage support.
• Personal savings or equity from partners where appropriate and affordable.
• Community development finance institutions (CDFIs) and credit unions with rural focus.

Important cautions for new ventures

Be wary of products with high fees, early settlement penalties, or aggressive terms. Always read the full cost, including interest, fees, and charges.

If in doubt, seek independent professional advice. Clear, fair, and not misleading information is essential to informed decisions.

How we support established farm businesses (once you qualify)

When your farm has the trading record lenders typically require, we can help you explore targeted commercial funding options. Our AI-driven matching looks at your sector, purpose, scale, and profile to connect you with relevant providers.

For an overview of sector-specific options, see our agriculture page here: farming loans for established UK farms.

Common finance types for farms

• Asset and equipment finance for tractors, combines, milking systems, and precision ag-tech.
• Vehicle and fleet finance for pickups, vans, and specialist farm vehicles.
• Invoice finance for agri-suppliers and processors with B2B receivables.
• Cash flow loans to bridge seasonal cycles and delayed receipts.
• Sustainability finance for renewables, solar, biomass, and energy efficiency.
• Refinance options to restructure existing agreements for better control.

What lenders usually look for

• Trading history and stability: filed accounts or strong management information.
• Affordability: reliable margins, forward contracts, and realistic projections.
• Security and guarantees: asset values, debentures, or directors’ guarantees.
• Sector profile: commodity exposure, diversification, and supply agreements.
• Compliance: insurance, environmental standards, and safety records.

Documents checklist for faster decisions

• Last two years’ filed accounts and the latest management accounts.
• Six months’ business bank statements.
• Asset list and finance agreements schedule.
• Debtor and creditor ledgers (if applicable).
• Proof of ID and address for directors/partners; business insurance details.

What to expect from our AI matching process

Our role is to simplify your path to the right finance providers, not to lend directly. You stay in control while we shorten your search and filter options that suit your farm profile.

Here’s how it works and what it costs.

Four simple steps and typical timelines

1. Complete a Quick Quote: share your business details, purpose, and funding amount.
2. AI analysis: we map your profile to providers active in your sector and bracket.
3. Introductions: we connect you with lenders or brokers who may be able to help.
4. Your decision: compare options, terms, and service — then proceed if it suits you.

Initial matches can be fast, sometimes within hours on working days. Complex or high-value cases may take longer, depending on documents and provider due diligence.

Costs, rates, and fair-promotion notice

Submitting a Quick Quote is free and without obligation. We don’t guarantee the lowest rate or approval; terms are set by providers and depend on your circumstances.

Rates, fees, and security vary by product and credit profile. Late or missed payments can affect your credit rating and may lead to asset repossession if finance is secured.

Data security and privacy

Your information is handled confidentially and shared only with relevant finance professionals connected to your enquiry. We never sell your data.

We operate as an independent introducer, helping you find suitable commercial finance options through our AI technology and network.

FAQs: sole traders and start-up farms

Do you support sole traders?
Not currently. We focus on established limited companies and LLPs. This helps ensure our matches are relevant and fair.

Do you support start-up farms?
No. We usually require trading history. When your farm is established with accounts, we can help you explore commercial finance options.

What counts as “established” for farm finance?
As a guide, 12–24 months of trading with filed accounts or strong management information. Lenders will also look at affordability and security.

Will a Quick Quote affect my credit score?
Submitting your details to us will not. However, providers we introduce may run credit checks if you proceed, which could appear on your file.

Do you offer advice or lend money yourselves?
No. We do not lend or provide regulated financial advice. We introduce you to suitable providers so you can compare and choose.

Can you help with property finance or mortgages?
No. We do not currently support property finance or commercial mortgages.

Ready when you are

If your farm is trading and you’re ready to explore options, complete a Quick Quote to get matched. It’s fast, secure, and there’s no obligation.

[Get Your Free Quick Quote Now]

Important information

Information on this page is for general guidance only and is not financial advice. Eligibility, costs, and terms depend on your circumstances and provider criteria.

Please ensure any finance is affordable and suitable for your business. You may wish to obtain independent professional advice before committing.

Updated October 2025.