Growth Guarantee Scheme:

Government-Backed Funding for Businesses

UK government-backed initiative designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) access vital business funding. It provides lenders with a 70% government guarantee on loan balances, making it easier for viable businesses to secure up to £2 million in financing

Apply in Minutes

£500K+

Maximum Amount

100+

Specialist Lenders

24hrs

Funds in Bank

£0

Upfront Fees

Supporting Business Growth with Flexible Finance

The Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS) is a government-backed initiative designed to help UK businesses access funding when traditional lending options may be limited. It provides additional support to businesses looking to manage cash flow, invest in growth, or navigate changing economic conditions.

Under the scheme, lenders receive a government-backed guarantee, making it easier for eligible businesses to secure finance.

How Does the Growth Guarantee Scheme Work?

The scheme helps participating lenders offer finance to businesses that may not meet standard lending criteria. Although the government provides support to lenders, borrowers remain fully responsible for repaying the loan.

Businesses in Great Britain can access facilities of up to £2 million, while eligible businesses operating under the Northern Ireland Protocol may borrow up to £1 million.

Types of Finance Available

Term Loans

Overdraft Facilities

Asset Finance

Invoice Finance

Eligible business
types:

Sole traders
Limited companies
Partnerships
Limited liability partnerships (LLPs)
Co-operatives
Community benefit societies

Standard credit and affordability assessments will still apply.

Who Can Apply?

The scheme is available to a wide range of UK businesses, including:

Qualification criteria:

Have an annual turnover below £45 million.
Be actively trading in the UK.
Have operated for at least two years.
Generate the majority of their income from UK trading activities.
Demonstrate that the business is financially viable.
Use the funding for legitimate business purposes.

What Can the Funding Be Used For?

Businesses can use Growth Guarantee Scheme funding to support a variety of objectives, such as:

Interest Rates and Fees

The cost of borrowing under the Growth Guarantee Scheme varies between lenders. Rates and fees depend on factors such as:

The amount borrowed
The type of finance selected
The business's financial profile
Repayment terms

Since each application is assessed individually, businesses should review all costs carefully before accepting an offer.

Things to Consider Before Applying

Preparing in advance can improve your chances of approval. Businesses should have:

A clear purpose for the funding
Up-to-date financial records
Management accounts and supporting documents
A realistic plan for repayment

Having the right information available can help speed up the application process and improve lender confidence.

Improving cash flow
Purchasing equipment or machinery
Covering operational expenses
Managing payroll commitments
Investing in marketing and expansion
Supporting future growth plans