British Business Bank Finance Hub
The UK government-owned development bank offering a Finance Hub with guides, tools, and programs including Start Up Loans, Growth Guarantee Scheme, and regional investment funds for UK smaller businesses.
Overview
The British Business Bank is a UK government-owned development bank headquartered in Sheffield, established to make finance markets work better for smaller UK businesses. Its Finance Hub at british-business-bank.co.uk/finance-options provides a comprehensive guide to all types of business finance - from debt and equity to the bank's own programs including Start Up Loans, the Growth Guarantee Scheme, and regional Nations and Regions Investment Funds. Since its inception the British Business Bank has supported over 125,000 businesses through its Start Up Loans program alone, disbursing more than £1.25 billion in government-backed loans.
What You Can Find Here
- Start Up Loans - government-backed personal loans of up to £25,000 per person at 6% fixed interest, with free mentoring for new businesses
- Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS) - successor to the Recovery Loan Scheme, supporting UK SMEs to access lending for investment and growth (launched July 2024)
- ENABLE Programs - credit guarantee schemes enabling banks to unlock more lending to smaller businesses
- Angel CoFund - co-investment with business angels into high-growth UK businesses
- Future Fund: Breakthrough - £425 million program co-investing with private investors in R&D-focused UK scale-ups
- Nations and Regions Investment Funds - regional funds covering England's regions, Scotland (£150m), Wales (£130m), and Northern Ireland (£70m)
- Community Enable Funding Programme - finance for diverse businesses and underserved communities through CDFIs
- Investor Pathways Capital and Life Sciences Investment Programme - targeted equity programs for emerging fund managers and life sciences
Who Should Use This
- New entrepreneurs and early-stage founders who need a Start Up Loan of up to £25,000 to launch their business idea
- Established UK SMEs seeking debt finance who have been declined by mainstream banks and need the Bank Referral Scheme
- Innovative UK scale-ups pursuing R&D growth and looking for co-investment through Future Fund: Breakthrough
- High-growth startups in the life sciences sector eligible for the Life Sciences Investment Programme
- Regional businesses in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland seeking locally managed investment from Nations and Regions Funds
- Business angels and emerging fund managers looking to co-invest through Angel CoFund or Investor Pathways Capital
- Businesses from underrepresented or underserved communities struggling to access mainstream lending
How to Get Started
- Step 1: Visit british-business-bank.co.uk/finance-options to explore all finance types and programs
- Step 2: Use the Finance Finder tool to filter by business stage, amount needed, and preferred finance type
- Step 3: For Start Up Loans - apply directly at startuploans.co.uk, completing the online application and business plan
- Step 4: For bank-intermediated programs (GGS, ENABLE) - approach an accredited lender directly; the BBB guarantees the loan on your behalf
- Step 5: For equity programs (Angel CoFund, Future Fund) - contact the fund manager or accredited co-investor listed on the program page
- Step 6: For regional funds - contact the fund manager for your region (e.g., Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, Investment Fund for Scotland)
Things to Check Before Applying
- The British Business Bank does not lend directly to businesses - most programs are delivered through accredited banks, lenders, and fund managers
- Start Up Loans are personal loans (not business loans) - your personal credit history will be assessed and you are personally liable for repayment
- Growth Guarantee Scheme is available only through accredited lenders - check the full list of participating banks and alternative finance providers
- Nations and Regions Investment Funds have separate fund managers for each region - approach the relevant regional fund manager directly
- Equity programs target high-growth, R&D-intensive businesses - most will not be suitable for lifestyle or traditional SMEs
- All programs have specific eligibility criteria by business size, sector, trading history, and location - review these before applying
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the British Business Bank lend money directly?
No. The British Business Bank is a development bank that works through accredited commercial lenders, fund managers, and intermediaries. The exception is the Start Up Loans program, which has a direct application process through startuploans.co.uk.
What is a Start Up Loan and how much can I borrow?
Start Up Loans are government-backed personal loans of up to £25,000 per director (up to £100,000 per business) at a fixed 6% annual interest rate, with free mentoring included. Over 125,000 businesses have been supported since the program launched.
What is the Growth Guarantee Scheme?
The Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS), launched in July 2024, is a government-backed guarantee enabling accredited lenders to provide loans and other finance to UK smaller businesses for investment and growth. It replaced the Recovery Loan Scheme.
Are there regional funds for businesses outside London?
Yes. The British Business Bank manages Nations and Regions Investment Funds covering Northern Powerhouse (£660m), Midlands Engine (£200m), South West (£200m), Scotland (£150m), Wales (£130m), East of England, South East, and Northern Ireland (£70m).
Can diverse or underserved founders access BBB programs?
Yes. The Community Enable Funding Programme supports businesses from underserved communities through CDFIs. The Investor Pathways Capital initiative specifically supports fund managers from underrepresented groups entering venture capital.
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