{"id":1079,"date":"2026-08-05T15:03:12","date_gmt":"2026-08-05T14:03:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/five-alternatives-to-a-bank-loan\/"},"modified":"2026-08-12T15:04:54","modified_gmt":"2026-08-12T14:04:54","slug":"five-alternatives-to-a-bank-loan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/five-alternatives-to-a-bank-loan\/","title":{"rendered":"10 business loan alternatives to fund your company\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--standard entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--standard\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/category\/money-matters\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Money Matters<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t10 business loan alternatives to fund your company \t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tIf a bank loan isn&#8217;t an option, you have more alternatives than you might think. Here are 10 business loan alternatives available in the UK right now. \t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \">Published <time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-08-05T15:03:12+01:00\">5 August, 2026<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"10 business loan alternatives to fund your company\u00a0\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/five-alternatives-to-a-bank-loan\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/header>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/author\/conrad-ford\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/01\/Conrad-Ford-2019-350x350.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/01\/Conrad-Ford-2019-350x350.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/01\/Conrad-Ford-2019.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 40px) 100vw, 40px\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Conrad Ford<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If&nbsp;you&#8217;ve&nbsp;applied for a bank loan and been turned down, you might be surprised by the range of business loan alternatives available in the UK. From peer-to-peer lending and crowdfunding to grants and government-backed loans, there are more ways to access funding than most business owners realise,&nbsp;and many&nbsp;don&#8217;t&nbsp;require&nbsp;the assets, trading history, or credit score traditional lenders demand.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you need short-term cash flow support, long-term growth capital, or funding for a specific project, there are 10 accessible and practical alternatives to a bank loan available to your UK business.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<section id=\"key-takeaways\" class=\"wp-block-sage-key-takeaways\"><div class=\"sage-key-takeaways__inner\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-h-3-font-size\">Key takeaways<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>There are 10 practical alternatives to a traditional bank loan:<\/strong>\u00a0peer-to-peer lending, merchant cash advances, pension-led funding, invoice finance, revolving credit facilities,\u00a0angel investment, crowdfunding, small business grants, asset finance, and government-backed\u00a0start-up\u00a0loans.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Not every\u00a0option\u00a0involves taking on debt.<\/strong>\u00a0Grants\u00a0don&#8217;t\u00a0need to be repaid, while angel investment and equity crowdfunding raise funding in exchange for a stake in your business.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Some funding options are based on your business performance rather than your credit score.<\/strong>\u00a0Merchant cash advances, invoice finance, and asset finance may be easier to access if you\u00a0don&#8217;t\u00a0meet traditional bank lending criteria.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The right funding depends on what\u00a0you&#8217;re\u00a0trying to achieve.<\/strong>\u00a0Some options are better for managing cash flow, while others are designed to fund equipment purchases, business growth, or early-stage\u00a0start-ups.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here&#8217;s what we&#8217;ll cover:<\/p>\n\n\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><ul><li><a href=\"#h-traditional-bank-loans-versus-business-loan-alternatives\" data-level=\"2\">Traditional bank loans versus business loan alternatives<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-is-peer-to-peer-lending\" data-level=\"2\">What is peer-to-peer lending?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-is-a-merchant-cash-advance\" data-level=\"2\">What is a merchant cash advance?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-is-pension-led-funding\" data-level=\"2\">What is pension-led funding?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-is-invoice-finance\" data-level=\"2\">What is invoice finance?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-is-a-revolving-credit-facility\" data-level=\"2\">What is a revolving credit facility?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-is-angel-investment\" data-level=\"2\">What is angel investment?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-is-crowdfunding\" data-level=\"2\">What is crowdfunding?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-are-small-business-grants\" data-level=\"2\">What are small business grants?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-is-asset-finance\" data-level=\"2\">What is asset finance?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-are-government-backed-start-up-loans\" data-level=\"2\">What are government-backed&nbsp;start-up&nbsp;loans?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-choosing-the-right-business-loan-alternative\" data-level=\"2\">Choosing the right business loan alternative<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-find-the-right-funding-for-your-business\" data-level=\"2\">Find the right funding for your business<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-frequently-asked-questions\" data-level=\"2\">Frequently asked questions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-traditional-bank-loans-versus-business-loan-alternatives\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Traditional bank loans versus business loan alternatives\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While bank lending&nbsp;remains&nbsp;a popular choice, alternative funding can offer greater flexibility, faster decisions, or different eligibility requirements depending on your business&#8217;s circumstances.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before exploring the different funding options, it helps to understand how business loan alternatives compare with traditional bank loans.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong><\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td><strong>Business loan alternatives<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td><strong>Traditional bank loans<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Eligibility<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Varies by type; often more flexible&nbsp;<\/td><td>Strong credit history, trading record, sometimes security&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Repayment<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Varies by&nbsp;option\u2014fixed, revenue-based, no repayment (grants), or equity given up&nbsp;<\/td><td>Fixed monthly instalments over an agreed term&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Funding speed<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Hours to a few days, depending on&nbsp;option&nbsp;chosen&nbsp;<\/td><td>Typically&nbsp;several days to weeks&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Best for<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Flexible funding needs or non-standard eligibility&nbsp;<\/td><td>Established businesses with strong financials&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To break that down a bit further,&nbsp;features of&nbsp;a traditional bank loan usually&nbsp;include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A fixed sum, borrowed from a high street bank.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Repayment\u00a0in instalments over an agreed term.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dependence\u00a0on your credit history and trading record.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A\u00a0personal guarantee or other collateral\u00a0to secure the loan, in some cases.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Business loan alternatives work differently, spanning several distinct types of funding:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Debt-based options, like peer-to-peer lending and asset finance, where you borrow and repay with interest.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Equity-based options, like angel investment and crowdfunding, where you exchange a stake in your business for capital.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Non-repayable funding, such as small business grants.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Revenue-based options, such as merchant cash advances, where repayments flex with your sales rather than following a fixed schedule.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While bank loans&nbsp;remain&nbsp;a good&nbsp;option&nbsp;for many established businesses,&nbsp;they&#8217;re&nbsp;no longer the only route to funding.&nbsp;Alternatives can offer greater flexibility depending on your business stage, cash flow, and funding requirements.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-is-peer-to-peer-lending\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is peer-to-peer lending?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Peer-to-Peer (P2P) lending&nbsp;is a funding&nbsp;option&nbsp;that&nbsp;connects your business directly with private investors through an online platform, bypassing traditional banks entirely.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&#8217;s&nbsp;one of the best-known business loan alternatives in the UK and&nbsp;can provide unsecured business finance of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.alternativebusinessfunding.co.uk\/funding-types\/business-loans\/peer-to-peer-lending-matchmaking-lenders-and-borrowers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">up to \u00a3250,000 in the UK<\/a>, with some secured P2P loans going higher.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Online platforms match your business with private investors who collectively lend the money, potentially offering lower rates for borrowers and better returns for investors than a savings account. P2P lending can also provide meaningful unsecured finance, but limits vary by platform rather than being a fixed multiple of what banks would offer.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Well-known UK platforms include&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fundingcircle.com\/uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Funding Circle<\/a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.iwoca.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">iwoca<\/a>, though eligibility criteria and rates vary, so&nbsp;it&#8217;s&nbsp;worth comparing options before applying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-is-a-merchant-cash-advance\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a merchant cash advance?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A merchant cash advance&nbsp;is a lump sum provided to&nbsp;your business&nbsp;that is then&nbsp;repaid automatically as a percentage of your future card sales.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because repayments flex with your revenue,&nbsp;this&nbsp;option&nbsp;is&nbsp;particularly well-suited to businesses with seasonal or fluctuating income, such as shops, bars, restaurants, and hotels.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most of the sectors that use card terminals&nbsp;can be difficult for banks to lend to,&nbsp;as&nbsp;they often rent their premises, hire their equipment, and suffer from seasonal revenue fluctuations. Merchant cash advances solve this by using card terminal sales as a basis for lending. The loan amount is based on recent card sales, and because the lender works directly with your payment provider, repayments are taken at source, making the process feel&nbsp;largely painless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-is-pension-led-funding\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is pension-led funding?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pension-led funding allows business owners to use their existing pension pot to lend money to their own company, which then repays the pension with interest.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&#8217;s&nbsp;a creative alternative to a bank loan that lets you&nbsp;leverage&nbsp;an asset you already own without putting your home at risk.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not every business owner has a pension pot large enough to make this&nbsp;viable, but those who do often prefer&nbsp;this&nbsp;option&nbsp;over using&nbsp;home equity via a personal guarantee. If everything goes well, the business benefits from the capital injection and the pension pot grows faster than it would have otherwise.&nbsp;It&#8217;s&nbsp;a route worth exploring with a financial adviser before committing, given the regulatory complexity involved.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-is-invoice-finance\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is invoice finance?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Invoice finance&nbsp;is an option that&nbsp;allows your business to unlock cash tied up in unpaid invoices, giving you immediate access to a percentage of the invoice value rather than waiting for customers to pay.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One&nbsp;common form&nbsp;of this is&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/invoice-factoring\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">invoice factoring<\/a>, where a factoring company buys your unpaid invoices outright and collects payment directly from your customers.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This&nbsp;option&nbsp;is&nbsp;particularly useful for:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Project-based businesses\u00a0needing cash for their next job.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wholesalers\u00a0and\u00a0Business-to-Business (B2B) companies dealing with strict payment terms.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>One major advantage of this option is that the amount of finance available\u00a0isn&#8217;t\u00a0fixed: it scales naturally with your business as your sales and invoicing volumes grow.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-is-a-revolving-credit-facility\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a revolving credit facility?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A revolving credit facility&nbsp;is a&nbsp;flexible line of credit that allows a business to dip into, repay, and reuse funds up to an agreed limit, paying interest only on the money they&nbsp;actually draw&nbsp;down.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is&nbsp;similar to&nbsp;an overdraft but often more accessible than what high street banks currently offer.&nbsp;Alternative lenders may make decisions on applications within hours and offer daily interest calculations, giving businesses&nbsp;a practical option for&nbsp;ongoing access to working capital rather than a one-off lump sum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-is-angel-investment\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is angel investment?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Angel investors are high-net-worth individuals who invest their own money into early-stage businesses in exchange for an equity stake.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beyond the capital, many angels bring industry experience, networks, and strategic guidance, which makes this one of the more valuable business loan alternatives for founders looking for more than just&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/get-funding-start-business\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">start-up&nbsp;funding<\/a>.&nbsp;Angel investment typically suits businesses that have moved beyond the idea stage, have early traction, and are&nbsp;searching&nbsp;for their first round of external funding.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From tens of thousands to several hundred thousand pounds, investment amounts vary widely,&nbsp;and angels often invest as part of a syndicate to spread their risk. The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/ukbaa.org.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">UK Business Angels Association<\/a>&nbsp;(UKBAA) is a useful starting point for founders looking to find and approach potential investors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-is-crowdfunding\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is crowdfunding?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Crowdfunding&nbsp;is&nbsp;an option&nbsp;that&nbsp;raises money by collecting small contributions from&nbsp;a large number of&nbsp;people, typically through an online platform.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&#8217;s&nbsp;one of the most accessible business loan alternatives for consumer-facing businesses with a compelling&nbsp;story,&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/what-is-crowdfunding-how-to-attract-investment\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">a successful&nbsp;crowdfunding campaign<\/a>&nbsp;can generate both press coverage and customer validation at the same time.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Three main types of crowdfunding&nbsp;are&nbsp;available to UK businesses:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Equity crowdfunding:<\/strong>\u00a0through platforms like\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.crowdcube.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Crowdcube<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/europe.republic.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Republic Europe,<\/a>\u00a0this\u00a0gives investors shares in your business in exchange for their contribution.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reward crowdfunding:<\/strong>\u00a0using\u00a0platforms like\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kickstarter.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kickstarter<\/a>\u00a0gives backers a non-financial reward, typically your product or a related\u00a0perk.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Debt crowdfunding:<\/strong>\u00a0also known as peer-to-peer lending,\u00a0this\u00a0involves backers lending money to your business and receiving repayments with interest.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-are-small-business-grants\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are small business grants?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Small business grants are non-repayable funds awarded to businesses that meet specific criteria.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These&nbsp;are&nbsp;among&nbsp;the most attractive business loan alternatives because you do not have to repay the money or&nbsp;give up equity in return.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Grants for UK businesses typically fall into three categories:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/government-grants-for-small-businesses\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Government grants<\/strong><\/a><strong>:\u00a0<\/strong>funding programmes delivered through bodies such as Innovate UK to support specific business activities, research, or growth initiatives.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Local grants:\u00a0<\/strong>funding administered by councils and regional growth funds to support businesses in specific areas.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sector-specific grants:<\/strong>\u00a0funding designed for\u00a0particular industries, such as technology, sustainability, or creative\u00a0work.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Competition for grants can be high, and eligibility varies significantly between schemes. Check the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/business-finance-support\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">UK government&#8217;s business finance and support finder<\/a>&nbsp;regularly and apply as soon as a relevant opportunity opens.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-is-asset-finance\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is asset finance?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Asset finance&nbsp;is a type of business funding that helps businesses buy, lease, or borrow against physical assets.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This approach&nbsp;allows your business to spread the cost of&nbsp;purchasing&nbsp;equipment, vehicles, or machinery over time rather than paying upfront. This helps preserve cash flow for day-to-day operations while still giving you access to the assets you need.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The two most common forms of asset finance are:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Hire purchase:\u00a0<\/strong>you pay for the asset in instalments and own it outright once the agreement ends.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Leasing:\u00a0<\/strong>you use the asset for a fixed period and return it at the end of the agreement.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both options are widely available through specialist asset finance providers and some high street banks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-are-government-backed-start-up-loans\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are government-backed\u00a0start-up\u00a0loans?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Government-backed&nbsp;start-up&nbsp;loans are&nbsp;loans&nbsp;supported by government organisations to help early-stage businesses access finance when they may not qualify for traditional bank lending.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One example is the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.british-business-bank.co.uk\/business-guidance\/guidance-articles\/finance\/start-up-loan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Start Up Loans scheme<\/a>, delivered by the British Business Bank, which provides personal loans of up to \u00a325,000 to individuals looking to start or grow a UK business.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Key features of the Start Up Loans scheme include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Loan amounts of up\u00a0to \u00a325,000 per applicant.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A fixed\u00a0interest\u00a0rate of 6% per annum.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Repayment periods of one to five years.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Availability\u00a0to UK residents aged 18 or older\u00a0whose business has been trading for\u00a0fewer\u00a0than 36 months.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Applicants need to\u00a0submit\u00a0a business plan and cash flow forecast.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unlike traditional bank loans, the scheme is designed specifically for early-stage businesses that may not have the trading history or financial profile&nbsp;required&nbsp;for mainstream lending. Successful applicants also receive&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.startuploans.co.uk\/about-the-loan\/what-is-a-start-up-loan\/mentoring-and-support\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">12 months of free mentoring<\/a>&nbsp;to help them launch or grow their business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-choosing-the-right-business-loan-alternative\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Choosing the right business loan alternative<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The right alternative to a bank loan depends on your business stage, how much you need, what you need it for, and how much ownership or control&nbsp;you&#8217;re&nbsp;willing to give up. Most businesses use a combination of sources rather than relying on one&nbsp;option&nbsp;alone.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here&#8217;s&nbsp;a quick comparison of the&nbsp;10&nbsp;options covered in this guide:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Option<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td><strong>Best for<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td><strong>Repayment<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td><strong>Gives up equity?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Peer-to-peer lending<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Established businesses needing unsecured finance&nbsp;<\/td><td>Yes,&nbsp;fixed repayments&nbsp;<\/td><td>No&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Merchant cash advance<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Card-based businesses with fluctuating revenue&nbsp;<\/td><td>Yes,&nbsp;percentage&nbsp;of card sales&nbsp;<\/td><td>No&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Pension-led funding<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Business owners with a substantial pension pot&nbsp;<\/td><td>Yes,&nbsp;repaid with interest&nbsp;<\/td><td>No&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Invoice finance<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Project-based businesses with unpaid invoices&nbsp;<\/td><td>Yes,&nbsp;via invoice collection&nbsp;<\/td><td>No&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Revolving credit facility<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Businesses needing flexible ongoing access to capital&nbsp;<\/td><td>Yes,&nbsp;as drawn&nbsp;<\/td><td>No&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Angel investment<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Early-stage businesses seeking capital and&nbsp;expertise&nbsp;<\/td><td>No&nbsp;<\/td><td>Yes&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Crowdfunding<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Consumer-facing businesses with a compelling story&nbsp;<\/td><td>Depends on type&nbsp;<\/td><td>Depends on type&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Small business grants<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Businesses meeting specific eligibility criteria&nbsp;<\/td><td>No&nbsp;<\/td><td>No&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Asset finance<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Businesses needing equipment without large upfront costs&nbsp;<\/td><td>Yes,&nbsp;instalments&nbsp;<\/td><td>No&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Government-backed&nbsp;start-up&nbsp;loans<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Early-stage businesses unable to access mainstream lending&nbsp;<\/td><td>Yes,&nbsp;fixed repayments&nbsp;<\/td><td>No&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before approaching any lender or investor, it helps to have a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/how-to-write-a-business-plan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">clear business plan<\/a>&nbsp;with&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/cash-flow-forecasting-small-businesses\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">realistic financial projections<\/a>&nbsp;and a good understanding of what you need the money for.&nbsp;The more prepared you are, the stronger your position, and this applies whether&nbsp;you&#8217;re&nbsp;applying for a grant, pitching to an angel, or&nbsp;submitting&nbsp;a loan application.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-find-the-right-funding-for-your-business\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Find the right funding for your business<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Being turned down for a bank loan&nbsp;doesn&#8217;t&nbsp;have to stop your plans. The range of business loan alternatives available to UK businesses has never been wider, and&nbsp;there&#8217;s&nbsp;an option&nbsp;for&nbsp;almost every&nbsp;situation and stage of growth.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The businesses that find the right funding&nbsp;aren&#8217;t&nbsp;always the ones with the strongest credit history.&nbsp;They&#8217;re&nbsp;the ones that know their options, prepare properly, and&nbsp;aren&#8217;t&nbsp;afraid to explore alternatives to traditional lending.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keeping&nbsp;accurate&nbsp;records&nbsp;helps you stay on top of your finances so&nbsp;you&#8217;re&nbsp;always ready to approach lenders and investors with confidence. Explore&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/accounting-software\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sage Accounting<\/a>&nbsp;and see&nbsp;how it can support your business from day one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta gated-content\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Guide to alternative funding<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Discover 10 sources of funding for your business and how to apply in our essential guide for startups and small businesses.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-e916b111-3801-47fd-9653-a337d2158774\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Get your free guide<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__downloads\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t1,457 readers have downloaded this guide\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/08\/government-funding-available-for-small-businessCTA.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/08\/government-funding-available-for-small-businessCTA.jpg 780w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-sage-faq\">\n\t\n<h2 id=\"h-frequently-asked-questions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions\u00a0<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"faq-items\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-sage-faq-item\" id=\"faq-item-43a7a30c\">\n\t<div class=\"faq-item-question\">\n\t\t\n<h3 id=\"h-what-is-the-easiest-business-loan-alternative-to-access-in-the-uk\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the easiest business loan alternative to access in the UK?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"faq-item-answer\">\n\t\t\t\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For businesses with card terminal sales, merchant cash advances are often the quickest and most accessible option, with approvals based on recent card revenue rather than credit history or assets. Government-backed\u00a0start-up\u00a0loans are also accessible for early-stage businesses, with a straightforward application process and free mentoring support included.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-sage-faq-item\" id=\"faq-item-e9d1a9de\">\n\t<div class=\"faq-item-question\">\n\t\t\n<h3 id=\"h-can-i-use-more-than-one-business-loan-alternative-at-the-same-time\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I use more than one business loan alternative at the same time?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"faq-item-answer\">\n\t\t\t\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, and many businesses do. Invoice finance and asset finance are often used together, for example, as are revolving credit facilities and peer-to-peer loans. The key is to ensure the combined repayment obligations are manageable alongside your cash\u00a0flow\u00a0and the terms of each arrangement are compatible.\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-sage-faq-item\" id=\"faq-item-22ac3695\">\n\t<div class=\"faq-item-question\">\n\t\t\n<h3 id=\"h-do-business-loan-alternatives-affect-my-credit-score\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do business loan alternatives affect my credit score?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"faq-item-answer\">\n\t\t\t\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It depends on the type of funding. Debt-based alternatives such as peer-to-peer lending and revolving credit facilities typically involve a credit check, which may leave a mark on your credit file. Equity-based options like angel investment and crowdfunding do not. Grants have no credit implications at all. Always check the terms of any application before\u00a0proceeding.\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-sage-faq-item\" id=\"faq-item-94b07c7d\">\n\t<div class=\"faq-item-question\">\n\t\t\n<h3 id=\"h-are-there-business-loan-alternatives-for-businesses-with-bad-credit\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are there business loan alternatives for businesses with\u00a0bad credit?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"faq-item-answer\">\n\t\t\t\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. Merchant cash advances, invoice finance, and asset finance are all typically assessed on business performance rather than credit history alone. Some peer-to-peer platforms and specialist lenders also take a more flexible approach to credit assessment than high street banks. Government-backed start-up loans are also worth exploring,\u00a0as they are designed for businesses that may not qualify for mainstream lending.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-sage-faq-item\" id=\"faq-item-27a832df\">\n\t<div class=\"faq-item-question\">\n\t\t\n<h3 id=\"h-how-long-does-it-take-to-access-funding-through-a-business-loan-alternative\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long does it take to access funding through a business loan alternative?\u00a0<\/h3>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"faq-item-answer\">\n\t\t\t\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Timelines vary by\u00a0option. Merchant cash advances can sometimes be funded within 24 to 48 hours, and invoice finance can often be accessed within a few days or even sooner once the facility is in place. Crowdfunding can take weeks or months depending on pre-launch, campaign length, and fulfilment, while government-backed start-up loans may take longer because applicants must prepare a business plan\u00a0and\u00a0cash flow forecast and go through mentoring and review steps.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/section>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Subscribe to the Sage Advice newsletter<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Join more than 500,000 UK readers and get the best business admin strategies and tactics, as well as actionable advice to help your company thrive, in your inbox every month.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-b1a63862-3fa0-4a5e-bb67-c76b88bbc6b8\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Subscribe now<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<section class=\"more-topics alignfull has-grey-light-background-color wp-block-sage-post-topics\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-4\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"more-topics__title h2\">Browse more topics from this article<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-8\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"post-tags__list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/alternative-finance\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAlternative finance\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"alignfull wp-block-sage-related-posts\">\n\t<section class=\"related-posts card-grid has-dark-background-color\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--featured h1\">Explore more wisdom<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-0 post-1054 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-alternative-finance tag-start-business business_type-small-business card-post--is-clickable\"\n>\n\t<div class=\"card-post__media-wrapper\">\n\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"999\" height=\"665\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/08\/CycleCentre_GL_060813-268.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/08\/CycleCentre_GL_060813-268-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/08\/CycleCentre_GL_060813-268-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/08\/CycleCentre_GL_060813-268.jpg 999w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"card-post__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__label\">Recommended<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-08-07T15:46:43+01:00\">7 August, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">10 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__title-link\"\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/9-funding-options-for-start-ups\/\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tFunding options for start-ups: 10 ways to fund your business\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"card-post__description\">\n\t\t\t\tStarting a business in the UK? From crowdfunding and start-up loans to venture capital and grants, this guide covers 10 funding options for start-ups and how to choose the right one for your stage. \t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__non-featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--more h4\">More on this Topic<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-1 post-1544 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-growth-customers category-money-matters tag-alternative-finance tag-business-continuity tag-finance tag-government-funding tag-grow-business business_type-small-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/government-grants-for-small-businesses\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2020\/07\/Thinscale_28825-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2020\/07\/Thinscale_28825-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2020\/07\/Thinscale_28825-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2020\/07\/Thinscale_28825-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-08-04T16:32:50+01:00\">4 August, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">24 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tGovernment grants for small businesses\u00a0to help your UK venture\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-2 post-1043 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-alternative-finance tag-cash-flow tag-crowdfunding business_type-small-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/a-business-guide-to-borrowing-money\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/08\/0J9A9593-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/08\/0J9A9593-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/08\/0J9A9593-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/08\/0J9A9593.jpg 999w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-05T13:25:08+01:00\">5 June, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">9 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tA business owner&#8217;s guide to borrowing money\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-3 post-8826 post type-post status-publish format-audio has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-alternative-finance tag-business-finances tag-government-funding tag-grow-business tag-sound-advice-podcast post_format-post-format-audio business_type-small-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/sound-advice-win-investment-women\/?scroll=1\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/06\/Bex-Burn-Callander-1-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"Bex Burn-Callander\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/06\/Bex-Burn-Callander-1-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/06\/Bex-Burn-Callander-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/06\/Bex-Burn-Callander-1-810x810.jpg 810w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" class=\"card-post__meta-icon svg-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M9.75 1.5C8.793 1.5 8 2.293 8 3.25v8.377a.8.8 0 0 0 0 .243v4.38c0 .957.793 1.75 1.75 1.75h5.5c.957 0 1.75-.792 1.75-1.75v-4.377a.8.8 0 0 0 0-.243V3.25c0-.957-.792-1.75-1.75-1.75zm0 1.5h5.5c.147 0 .25.102.25.25V11h-6V3.25c0-.148.102-.25.25-.25m-4.012 7.989a.75.75 0 0 0-.739.761v4.5A4.76 4.76 0 0 0 9.749 21h2v2a.76.76 0 0 0 .216.537.74.74 0 0 0 .534.223.76.76 0 0 0 .535-.223.74.74 0 0 0 .216-.537v-2h2A4.76 4.76 0 0 0 20 16.25v-4.5a.76.76 0 0 0-.216-.537.74.74 0 0 0-.535-.223.75.75 0 0 0-.75.76v4.5a3.24 3.24 0 0 1-3.25 3.25h-5.5a3.24 3.24 0 0 1-3.25-3.25v-4.5a.755.755 0 0 0-.469-.707.8.8 0 0 0-.293-.055zM9.5 12.5h6v3.75c0 .147-.102.25-.25.25h-5.5a.24.24 0 0 1-.25-.25zm3 1a.997.997 0 0 0-1 1 .997.997 0 0 0 1 1 .997.997 0 0 0 1-1 .997.997 0 0 0-1-1\" \/><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2021-03-08T06:00:00+00:00\">8 March, 2021<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">&lt; 1 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tHow to win small business investment &#8211; International Women&#8217;s Day episode\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-4 post-6266 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-alternative-finance tag-start-business tag-startup-stories business_type-small-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/dealing-with-investors\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media card-post__media--video\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/03\/Trim-It-header-image-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"Trim-It is a mobile barbershop - get your hair cut in a van\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/03\/Trim-It-header-image-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/03\/Trim-It-header-image-768x386.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/03\/Trim-It-header-image.jpg 1243w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__play-video\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" class=\"card-post__play-icon svg-icon\" width=\"28\" height=\"28\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 33 36\"><path d=\"M3.947.936C1.889 1.016 0 2.661 0 4.878v27.11c0 2.956 3.36 4.896 5.999 3.463l24.965-13.555c2.715-1.474 2.715-5.451 0-6.925L6 1.416a3.96 3.96 0 0 0-2.052-.48Zm.032 2.6c.232-.001.475.058.713.187L29.66 17.28c.986.535.986 1.774 0 2.309L4.692 33.144c-.952.517-1.999-.088-1.999-1.155V4.878c0-.533.261-.95.642-1.17.19-.11.411-.171.644-.172\" \/><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" class=\"card-post__meta-icon svg-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M5.25 3C3.74 3 2.5 4.24 2.5 5.75v12.5C2.5 19.76 3.74 21 5.25 21h14c1.51 0 2.75-1.24 2.75-2.75V5.75C22 4.24 20.76 3 19.25 3zm0 1.5h14c.699 0 1.25.551 1.25 1.25v12.5a1.24 1.24 0 0 1-1.25 1.25h-14A1.24 1.24 0 0 1 4 18.25V5.75c0-.699.551-1.25 1.25-1.25m.25.75a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5H6a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm13 0a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5h.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm-8.25 2.751A1.248 1.248 0 0 0 9 9.251v5.5c0 .442.231.849.613 1.074.389.231.846.237 1.239.021l5.001-2.751c.396-.219.646-.639.646-1.094s-.25-.876-.646-1.095l-.001-.001-5.002-2.751a1.25 1.25 0 0 0-.601-.153zM5.5 8.25a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5H6a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm13 0a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5h.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm-8 1.423L14.731 12 10.5 14.328zm-5 1.577a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5H6a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm13 0a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5h.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm-13 3a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5H6a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm13 0a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5h.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm-13 3a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5H6a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm13 0a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5h.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5z\" \/><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2019-03-20T15:50:44+00:00\">20 March, 2019<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">8 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tTrim-It on winning the challenge of dealing with investors\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If a bank loan isn&#8217;t an option, you have more alternatives than you might think. Here are 10 business loan alternatives available in the UK right now. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":165,"featured_media":1854,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_is_cornerstone":"","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-noindex":"","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-nofollow":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-title":"Five alternatives to a bank loan","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-description":"If you've applied for a bank loan and it hasn't worked out, you might be surprised to discover the huge range of non-bank options that could work for you.","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-image":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-image-id":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-title":"Five alternatives to a bank loan","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-description":"If you've applied for a bank loan and it hasn't worked out, you might be surprised to discover the huge range of non-bank options that could work for you.","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-image":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-image-id":"","_yoast_wpseo_schema_page_type":"","_yoast_wpseo_schema_article_type":"","_sage_video":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskeywords":"","_yoast_wpseo_keywordsynonyms":"","_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":"6","post_featured_image_hide":false,"sage_hide_published_date":false,"sage_hide_read_time":false,"sage_hide_share_buttons":false,"_pwl_sage_podcast_buzzsprout_src":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[8,6],"tags":[18],"business_type":[],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[],"persona":[],"imagine_tag":[77],"coauthors":[392],"class_list":["post-1079","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-growth-customers","category-money-matters","tag-alternative-finance"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-gb","author_name":"Conrad Ford","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/08\/UK_FrankDiLussoHair_SageOne_091215-383.jpg","imagine_tags":{"77":"Accounting software"}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice UK","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1079","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/165"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1079"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1079\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":31996,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1079\/revisions\/31996"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/1854"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1079"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1079"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1079"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=1079"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=1079"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=1079"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=1079"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=1079"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=1079"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=1079"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}