Been turned down by a high street bank, or worried you won't meet the criteria? You're not out of options. From Community Development Finance Institutions to government-backed schemes like the Growth Guarantee Scheme and Start Up Loans, there are credible, accessible alternatives designed specifically for businesses like yours.

Brighton Fibre set out to solve Brighton & Hove's broadband challenges by building its own independent full fibre network from scratch. With a £150,000 Growth Guarantee Scheme loan from Let's Do Business Finance, the company has accelerated its expansion while retaining founder ownership, proving how the right funding partner can help ambitious businesses grow sustainably.

At Let’s Do Business Finance, we’re proud to be leading the charge for inclusive finance – by combining accredited funding programmes, responsible lending practices and wide-reaching business support to ensure that every business owner has the opportunity to access the capital they need to grow.

Many business owners assume a past missed payment, County Court Judgment (CCJ), or low credit score means automatic rejection. In reality, some lenders take a more open-minded view.

Women and minority founders are behind some of the most ambitious businesses we see. This guide covers the finance options available in the East of England, from Start Up Loans to business loans and grants, and how to give your application the best possible chance.

From a student-led YouTube channel to a full-service audience engagement agency, Word on the Curb has built its reputation by helping brands connect authentically with young and diverse audiences. With support from Let’s Do Business Finance, the company secured the funding and guidance needed to stabilise the business and invest in future growth.

We are thrilled to announce that Let's Do Business Finance has been shortlisted for Scale Up Business of the Year at the Sussex Chamber Business Awards 2026, recognising a year of strong strategic growth and sustained impact in improving access to finance for SMEs across the Sussex and the wider South East.

Angelique, founder of Aesthetique by Equaligne, a rejuvenation business in Buckinghamshire that focuses on helping clients feel confident in their skin, explains how with support from Let's Do Business Finance via the Start Up Loans programme, she has been able to begin building a thoughtful, patient-centred aesthetics practice.

Running a retail business is rewarding, but it's also capital-intensive. Whether you're fitting out your first shop, buying opening stock, or managing seasonal cash flow, having the right finance in place can make all the difference. In this guide, we break down the most common funding options available to UK retail businesses, so you can find the solution that fits your situation.

From the 6^th April 2026, the fixed interest rate for new applications for Start Up Loans is changing to 7.5%, and eligibility criteria is expanding to accommodate businesses that have been trading for up to 60 months

Laura Harrison founded This Is Mabel, a wearable wellness brand for women built on honesty and a lived experience. With a £15,000 Start Up Loan accessed through Let's Do Business Finance, the Seaford-based founder has been able to invest in growth, move into a dedicated studio, and build the financial foundations to take her brand further.

When applying for business finance in the UK, lenders don't base their decision on a single factor. This guide breaks down the key criteria they use, from credit history and cash flow to collateral and management experience, so you can understand what lenders really look for when financing a business, and arrive at your application fully prepared.

Let’s Do Business Finance has announced a significant increase in its maximum business loan size, boosting from £150,000 to now £250,000 available to growing businesses across the South,  London and East of England

The new UK Community Finance Partnership Taskforce will unlock an extra £1bn in funding available for small businesses across the UK, strengthening support for Responsible and Community focused Lenders like Let’s Do Business Finance.

Founded during the 2020 lockdowns in Hurstpierpoint, the business quickly grew from a takeaway operation into a multi-channel food brand spanning restaurant dining, events catering, stadium concessions and wholesale supply. With a business loan from Let’s Do Business Finance, Village Pizza Kitchen secured funding to open its first permanent restaurant, creating jobs and strengthening its presence across West Sussex and beyond.

Thinking about applying for a Start Up Loan? This practical guide helps you check whether you’re ready and what you’ll need before you apply. Learn about eligibility criteria, required personal documents, funding details, and essential business paperwork such as your business plan and cash flow forecast.