Business Growth Loans - Let's Do Business Finance
Flexible finance for viable businesses unable to access bank lending
Let’s Do Business Finance is a not-for-profit Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI) providing direct business loans to small and medium-sized enterprises across the South East.
Their loans are designed for established, viable businesses that may struggle to secure traditional bank finance — for example, due to limited collateral, short trading history, or a need for greater flexibility.
Loan features
- Loan amounts: typically between £25,000 and £150,000
- Repayment terms: up to 6 years
- No early repayment penalties
- Available to limited companies, partnerships, and sole traders
- Designed to support growth, investment, and working capital needs
Eligibility overview
To apply, you’ll generally need to:
- Be based in the UK and actively trading
- Have been operating for at least two years (some newer businesses may still be considered)
- Demonstrate a viable business plan and ability to repay
- Have directors or owners aged 18+ and resident in the UK
- Be willing to provide a personal guarantee (your home is not used as security)
- Not be in insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings
Each application is reviewed on its individual merits, with flexibility for businesses that show potential for growth and sustainability.
Typical uses of funding
Loans can be used for a range of growth and development purposes, such as:
- Purchasing equipment or vehicles
- Expanding premises or taking on staff
- Marketing and digital investment
- Cashflow management or refinancing high-cost short-term debt
How to apply
Businesses apply directly to Let’s Do Business Finance, who will:
- Review your business needs and financial position
- Request supporting documentation (such as accounts and bank statements)
- Carry out affordability and credit checks
- Provide a loan offer if your application is successful
How the Growth Hub can help
The East Sussex Growth Hub can help you decide whether this type of loan is suitable for your business, and explore any alternative or complementary funding options.
We don’t provide finance ourselves, but we can help you prepare for an application and connect you with the right organisations — including Let’s Do Business Finance.
Find out more
For full details and to check your eligibility, visit the
Let’s Do Business Finance website
Or, if you’d like to talk through your funding options first, contact the Growth Hub team and we’ll be happy to guide you.
