Do you support start-ups or sole traders?
Short answer — clear and immediate
No. Best Business Loans does not currently support start-ups or sole traders for business finance introductions. We specialise in helping established UK limited companies and registered businesses connect with lenders and brokers that require a trading history or specific asset/security profiles.
Why we are currently not able to support start-ups or sole traders
Most lenders we work with set underwriting criteria that favour businesses with a proven trading record, company structure, or tangible assets. These criteria make it difficult for many start-ups and sole traders to secure offers through our partner network.
As an introducer rather than a lender, our role is to match enquiries to providers who are actively lending within defined eligibility bands. If your business does not meet those bands, we cannot responsibly introduce you to providers where the likelihood of acceptance is very low.
The practical and regulatory reasons behind our policy
Many commercial finance products used by our partners — like asset finance, invoice finance and secured business loans — expect evidence of trading history, VAT registration or ownership of collateral. Lenders use these signals to assess risk and affordability.
Regulatory and advertising standards in the UK also require that financial promotions are fair, clear and not misleading. Introducing start-ups or sole traders to products that typically require established accounts risks generating poor outcomes and non-compliant promotions.
Because Best Business Loans is an independent introducer and does not provide loans or regulated advice, we prioritise responsible matching. We only route enquiries where there is a reasonable prospect of a lender or broker being able to help.
What start-ups and sole traders can do instead
If you are a start-up or sole trader seeking finance, there are several appropriate alternatives that typically work better at early stages. These include business credit cards, peer-to-peer lending platforms, crowdfunding, microlenders, and certain specialist fintech products aimed at new businesses.
Public and government-backed sources such as local Growth Hubs, the British Business Bank programmes, regional funds and innovation grants can be good starting points for founders. These routes often provide a mix of funding, grants and mentoring that suit early-stage needs.
You can also approach brokers who specialise in start-up or sole trader lending, or institutions that explicitly offer unsecured or revenue-based finance to micro-businesses. Comparing options and understanding fees and terms is essential before accepting any offer.
How to improve eligibility and prepare for commercial finance
If your long-term goal is to access the type of finance Best Business Loans can introduce, there are practical steps you can take to improve your eligibility over 6–18 months. Building a reliable trading record and clear financial records is the most important factor.
Actions that help include registering as a limited company where appropriate, maintaining up-to-date management accounts, registering for VAT once eligible, and establishing a robust bookkeeping system. Lenders value clear evidence of revenues, margins and repeat customers.
Practical preparation checklist
– Keep monthly profit & loss and cashflow reports.
– Build vendor and customer references and retain contracts where possible.
– Consider asset-backed routes: investing in or retaining equipment can open asset finance options later.
When you are ready, Best Business Loans can match you to lenders that specialise in asset finance, invoice finance or growth lending. For example, if you plan to buy machinery or tools, review our guidance on equipment funding to see typical eligibility and product types: https://bestbusinessloans.ai/loan/equipment-finance/.
Transparency, compliance and how we can help you next
We are transparent about our scope: Best Business Loans does not provide regulated financial advice and is not a lender. We follow UK advertising and financial promotion best practice by giving clear, non-misleading information and signposting appropriate alternatives for early-stage businesses.
If your business is beyond the start-up stage or has trading history and assets, we encourage you to use our Quick Quote form for an eligibility check or Decision in Principle. This short, free process helps our AI-match engine find providers that are actively lending to businesses like yours.
If you are a start-up or sole trader and would like guidance on the next steps to become finance-ready, you can contact our support team for non-regulated signposting and practical tips. We can explain what lenders typically look for and suggest realistic routes to funding as your business grows.
Key takeaways
– Best Business Loans does not currently support start-ups or sole traders for introductions to our lender and broker network.
– This policy exists because many of our partner products require trading history, assets or company structures.
– Start-ups and sole traders have alternative finance routes: business credit cards, fintech lenders, crowdfunding and government schemes.
– Improve eligibility by creating consistent accounts, registering where appropriate, and building a trading track record to access commercial finance later.
– When ready, submit a Quick Quote to get matched quickly and confidentially.
Ready to check if you qualify?
If your business is trading and you want a fast eligibility check, start a Quick Quote for a no-obligation Decision in Principle.
Our AI-led process takes minutes, is free, and keeps your data secure and confidential. Submit your Quick Quote now to see which lenders and brokers might be able to help.
Need help first? Email our team at hello@bestbusinessloans.ai for non-regulated guidance on how best to prepare for commercial finance.