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SME Loans
Do you need funding to grow your Small or Medium Size Enterprise? We have funding available for small businesses in the South and West Country.
What are SME Loans?
SME loans are a form of debt finance and are specifically designed to help small and medium-sized businesses access the funding they need to grow and expand. These loans can be used for a variety of purposes, including working capital, equipment purchases, operational expenses, and more.
Our decisions are made by people, not computers, which means that we lend by looking at the bigger picture.
Our business managers provide support and guidance throughout the application process, and for the duration of the loan, to give our customers the best chance for success.
What can an SME Loan be used for?
SME Business Loans can be used for a range of purposes, including;
Growth Capital
Some of these purposes include:
- restructuring of operations
- technology investments
- product development
- launching into new markets
- new customer acquisitions
If your business is growing and your cashflow indicates a clear need for funding, you will have a good case for Growth Capital finance.
More Information on Growth Capital Loans
Operational Expenses
SME Loans can support operational expenses such as purchasing stock and materials, marketing for new product launches, working capital, and investment into green technologies.
Business Acquisition
An SME Loan can also be used for purchasing an existing business.
More Information on Business Acquisition
Recruitment or Staff Costs
SME Loans can help fund recruitment for new job creations, as well as upskilling for existing employees.
Purchasing Equipment
SME Loans can be used for purchasing new equipment or machinery that will help the business to grow.
More information on Business Equipment Loans
Net Zero Investment
SME Loans can be used for investing in making their business processes more sustainable or reducing their carbon footprint.
More information on Net Zero Business Loans
We have Start Up Loans for businesses trading less than 3 years
Is my business eligible for a business loan?
The CBILS Scheme closed with effect from 31 March 2021. Learn more here.
Business Loan characteristics
- ✓ Loan value from £25,001 – £250,000
- ✓ Finance for working capital or growth (e.g. equipment)
- ✓ Tangible security is not required
- ✓ We are an accredited Growth Guarantee Scheme lender
- Terms & Conditions Apply
Security
- Fixed & floating debenture taken (ranking behind existing charge holders, if appropriate)
- Unsupported personal guarantees are typically required for business loans
Information required to apply for a business loan:
– Last 2 years' full accounts (if available)
– Most recent management accounts
– Cashflow forecast for a minimum of 12 months
– Last 6 months business bank statements
– Credit Report for all directors
Amount & Term
£25,001 – £250,000 repayable up to 60 months
Interest Charge
Charged at 12% ABR
Fees Arrangement
Fee of 5% charged at outset
Disclaimer: This repayment calculator is designed to outline the arrangement fee, monthly loan repayments and the total amount repayable for different loan terms. The actual amount payable may change depending on the agreed term and loan amount. We charge interest at 12% Above Base Rate (ABR). Base rate is currently 4.25%.
Terms and conditions apply, Credit is subject to status, affordability assessments and credit checks.
What our customers say…
“The funding has enabled us to increase our inventory as well as grow the team by hiring more talent here in the South West.
Our SWIG Business Manager, Nicola, was very personal and friendly from the outset. We felt the process was transparent and went both smoothly and quickly as a result“.
Helena Hills
Co-Founder, TrueStart Coffee
What is the difference between an SME loan and a Start Up Loan?
SME loans are aimed at businesses that have typically been trading for over two years. These loans are unsecured but require an unsupported personal guarantee.
Start Up Loans are personal loans to be used for business purposes. The loans are designed for new and early-stage businesses that have been trading for less than three years.
How to apply for a Business Loan?
To apply for a Business Loan, you will need to complete our online application form.
Information we will need to assess your loan request:
- Last 2 years’ full accounts (if available)
- Most recent management accounts
- Cashflow forecast for a minimum of 12 months
- Last 6 months business bank statements
- Credit Report for all directors
Apply now to take the next step in securing the funding your business needs.
Our Application Process
We assess each business on its own merit. To apply, please complete our online enquiry form below. Initial enquiries welcomed to establish suitability. Once we have received all the information we need to consider your application, the decision will be made as soon as possible.
Apply Now
If you're ready to take the next steps, apply now!
Tips & How-To Guides
Here you will find practical tips and how-to guides.
Got a question?
Give us a call today and we will answer any question you may have.
Is my Business eligible for a Business Loan?
Business Loan characteristics
✓ Loan value from £25,001 – £250,000
✓ Finance for working capital or growth (e.g. equipment)
✓ Tangible security is not required
✓ We are an accredited Growth Guarantee Scheme lender
Terms & Conditions Apply
Apply now to take the next step in securing the funding your business needs.
Do you need to borrow less than £25k?
We have Start Up Loans available for businesses that have been trading for less than 3 years.
Apply for a business loan now
Please complete the below enquiry form and a member of the team will be in touch.
Read more about our business loans requirements here.
What can an SME Loan be used for?
See below the answers to our most frequently asked questions about SME Loans.
Is your business a small to medium-sized enterprise?
Businesses with up to 250 employees are considered small or medium-sized.
What are SME Loans?
Can I get an SME loan with bad credit?
We understand that there may be instances where your credit score might be less than perfect. For example, you may have had a CCJ in the past.
At SWIG Finance we take a personal approach to lending and base our decisions by looking at the bigger picture. So even if your credit rating has experienced historical issues, we still welcome your application, providing there are no outstanding liabilities affecting your business.
I have been rejected by the bank for funding, can I still apply for an SME loan?
Yes – because our decisions are made by people, not computers, we are able to base our lending decisions by looking at the bigger picture and can lend to projection-led businesses.
Consequently, we don’t use automated credit-scoring methods to assess our applications and each business is judged on its own merit.
What other funding is available?
For businesses that have been trading for less than 36 months, we have Start Up Loans available as part of the government-backed Start Up Loans Scheme. Find out more here.
SWIG Finance is an accredited lender under the Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS). Find out more about RLS here.