Do you work with start-ups, sole traders, or franchises?
Short answer
Yes — we can help many start-ups, sole traders and franchise businesses, but support depends on the business profile and the type of finance required.
We do not provide loans directly; instead we match eligible businesses with lenders or brokers most likely to consider their application.
Start-ups: when we can and cannot help
Can Best Business Loans support start-ups?
We can help some start-ups, particularly those with clear trading history, demonstrable revenues or strong asset backing.
Early-stage businesses with no trading history or unclear cashflow may struggle to meet many lenders’ standard criteria.
Typical funding routes for start-ups
Start-ups frequently explore unsecured small business loans, startup-specific lenders, equity funding, peer-to-peer finance and asset finance where equipment is needed.
Where a start-up has valuable equipment or a clear purchase plan, asset finance can be a better fit than unsecured credit.
How we assess start-up eligibility
Our AI-driven Quick Quote focuses on trading history, turnover, director guarantees, planned use of funds and any assets available as security.
If your start-up has a business plan, signed contracts or purchase orders, including those details speeds up the matching process.
Sole traders: what we offer and what lenders expect
Do we work with sole traders?
Yes — we often introduce sole traders to lenders and brokers who specialise in small business lending.
The outcome depends on personal credit history, business turnover and whether the loan is for business or personal use.
Common finance options for sole traders
Sole traders commonly use short-term cashflow loans, invoice finance, business overdrafts, and asset finance for equipment or vehicles.
Some lenders accept sole trader applications for larger facilities when supported by solid accounts and forecasts.
Information lenders typically require
Lenders usually ask for recent bank statements, VAT returns (if registered), business accounts or tax returns and an explanation of how the funds will be used.
Supplying clear evidence of reliable cashflow and a stable client base improves the chances of a positive match.
Working with franchises: franchisee and franchisor considerations
Can franchise businesses be matched?
Yes — both franchisees and franchisors can be eligible, but lenders treat franchised businesses differently from independent operators.
Franchises with a strong brand, proven territory performance and franchisor financial support usually attract more lending options.
Key differences lenders look for
Lenders will examine the franchise agreement, territory exclusivity, initial franchise fee, expected royalties and historical performance of the franchise brand.
Franchisees with a trading history under the same brand or a track record in the sector tend to be favoured.
Documentation and approvals for franchise funding
Typical requirements include the franchise agreement, management accounts, business plan, cashflow forecasts and, where applicable, franchisor consent for security arrangements.
We can connect you with lenders experienced in franchise finance and brokers who understand franchisor-lender dynamics.
How we help each business type: our process and practical limits
Step 1 — Quick Quote and initial assessment
Start with a Quick Quote to tell us about your business, trading history and the finance you need.
This takes only a few minutes and guides our AI to shortlist realistic funding routes for your business type.
Step 2 — Intelligent matching to lenders and brokers
Our AI matches your profile to lenders and brokers who are actively lending to businesses like yours right now.
That targeted approach reduces time wasted applying to unsuitable providers and increases the chance of a meaningful response.
Step 3 — Introduction, decision in principal and next steps
We make introductions and help you request a Decision in Principle or eligibility check from lenders or brokers.
From there, you decide whether to proceed with full applications and satisfy any additional lender checks.
Compliance and transparency
We do not provide regulated advice or loan offers and are not a lender.
We follow FCA principles in our communications and ensure our promotions are clear, fair and not misleading.
When we cannot help
We may decline to match very early-stage start-ups with zero trading evidence, sole traders with severely adverse credit histories, or franchises lacking key documentation.
In such cases we will explain why and, where possible, suggest steps to improve eligibility.
For asset-backed borrowing needs, consider exploring dedicated equipment and asset options such as asset finance for machinery, vehicles or technology. You can read more about asset finance here: asset finance.
Next steps, FAQs and key takeaways
How to start your Quick Quote
Complete our Quick Quote form with honest details about your business, finances and the loan purpose.
We will use that information to match you to the most relevant lenders or brokers without charge.
What happens after I submit a Quick Quote?
Our AI analyses your submission and identifies lenders and brokers likely to consider your application.
We then make introductions and help you request a Decision in Principle where possible.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Do you lend money directly? A: No — we are an introducer that connects businesses with lenders and brokers.
Q: Are you FCA authorised? A: Best Business Loans is not an FCA-authorised lender; we act as an independent introducer and follow best-practice advertising standards.
Q: Will applying affect my credit score? A: We encourage initial eligibility checks and Decisions in Principle, which often use soft checks. Full applications may involve hard credit checks by lenders.
Key takeaways
We can support many start-ups, sole traders and franchise businesses, but eligibility varies by lender and product.
Provide clear evidence of trading, forecasts and relevant documents to improve your match with lenders or brokers.
Ready to see if you qualify? Submit a Quick Quote now to get a free, no-obligation eligibility check and be matched with suitable lenders and brokers.
Updated: October 2025. If you need help before submitting, our UK support team can advise which documents to prepare and which finance routes may suit your business. Email hello@bestbusinessloans.ai for assistance.