Question 1

Can I get business funding if my bank declined my application?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. We specialise in connecting businesses with alternative lenders who have different criteria than traditional banks. Many of our successful clients were previously declined by their bank.

Question 2

What if I have poor credit history or CCJs?

Accepted Answer

Poor credit doesn't automatically disqualify you. Our specialist lenders focus on your business potential and cash flow rather than just credit scores. We work with lenders who accept CCJs and adverse credit.

Question 3

How quickly can I get funding for urgent business needs?

Accepted Answer

Some of our lenders can provide same-day funding for qualifying businesses. Most decisions are made within 24-48 hours, much faster than traditional bank lending.

Question 4

What are the eligibility requirements for alternative business finance?

Accepted Answer

You need to be a UK registered limited company with at least £5,000 monthly turnover, 6+ months trading history, and at least one UK resident director or shareholder.

Question 5

How does SME Finance Hub get paid?

Accepted Answer

We receive a commission from the lender once your funding is successfully approved and paid out. This means our service costs you nothing unless we find you a suitable offer that you choose to accept. Our interests are aligned with yours - we only succeed when you do. For full details, visit our 'How We Get Paid' page.

Question 6

Are there any upfront fees to apply?

Accepted Answer

No, there are absolutely no upfront fees. our service carries no upfront fees with no obligation. You will never be asked to pay anything before receiving funding. The only time any fee applies is if funding is successfully drawn down.

Question 7

Will I ever have to pay a broker fee?

Accepted Answer

In very rare circumstances, we may need to charge an additional broker fee. This only applies when the chosen lender does not offer commission, or if there is an unusually large amount of specialist work involved. If this applies to your case, we will declare this early in the process - never as a surprise. Any fee would only be payable upon successful drawdown of your funding.

Question 8

Can I find out what commission you'll receive?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. Lenders now regularly disclose commission as standard practice, and you can always request details of what commission we will receive at any point. We believe in complete transparency - just ask your dedicated broker.

Question 9

Are you influenced by which lenders pay higher commissions?

Accepted Answer

No. We are truly independent and are not influenced by lender commission rates. Our sole focus is finding the best available deal for your business. We work with over 50 lenders and will always recommend the option that best suits your needs, regardless of what commission we might receive. As an FCA-regulated broker, we're required to treat customers fairly and act in line with FCA rules and our Consumer Duty obligations.

Question 10

What security is required for the loans?

Accepted Answer

Security requirements vary depending on the type of funding and lender. We offer a range of options to suit different situations: unsecured business loans where a personal guarantee from a director is usually required; asset-backed funding where the loan is secured against equipment, vehicles, or other business assets; and secured business loans that may use property or other significant assets as security. Some products, such as merchant cash advances, may require no personal guarantee at all. Our expert brokers will always guide you through exactly what security is required with each offer, helping you understand your options and choose the best fit for your business.

Question 11

What types of alternative business funding are available?

Accepted Answer

We offer short-term business loans, asset-based lending, invoice financing, merchant cash advances, and equipment finance. Terms range from 3 months to 5 years depending on your needs.

Question 12

How does the application process work?

Accepted Answer

Start with our quick 60-second form, then complete a detailed application. We'll match you with suitable lenders within 24 hours. Review your options with no pressure, and only proceed when you're ready.

Question 13

Is the credit check a soft search that won't affect my credit score?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our initial matching process uses soft searches that don't impact your credit score. Only when you choose to proceed with a specific lender will they conduct a full credit check.

Question 14

How accurate is the business loan calculator?

Accepted Answer

Our calculator provides a highly accurate estimate based on the figures you input. However, because we are a broker with access to a specialist lender panel, the final rates and terms will depend on your specific business circumstances, trading history, and credit profile. Think of it as a great starting point to see what's possible!

Question 15

What is the difference between a Factor Rate and an Interest Rate?

Accepted Answer

Great question! Standard business loans usually use an Interest Rate (a percentage of the remaining balance). A Factor Rate (common with Merchant Cash Advances) is expressed as a decimal (e.g., 1.2). You multiply your loan amount by this number to see exactly how much you'll pay back in total. Factor rates are often used for short-term funding where the total cost is fixed from day one.

Question 16

Will using the calculator affect my credit score?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. Our calculator is a "no-strings-attached" tool designed to help you plan your business finances. We only perform credit checks if you decide to proceed with a formal application, and even then, many of our initial quotes only require a "soft search" that doesn't impact your score.

Question 17

Are there any hidden fees I should know about?

Accepted Answer

Our calculator includes a field for Arrangement Fees, which are common in the industry, and we show the total repayable alongside the monthly figure. When you speak to one of our brokers we set out the rate, the arrangement fee, the term and the total cost of the facility in writing before you commit. Plus, our service has no upfront fees.

Question 18

Why should I use a broker instead of just a bank's calculator?

Accepted Answer

A bank's calculator only shows you their product. Our calculator helps you visualize the market, but our real value is in the "human" element. As an FCA-authorised broker, we compare lenders across our specialist panel to find the specific deal that fits your cash flow, often finding better rates or more flexible terms than a high-street bank.

Question 19

How do I get a "real" quote for my business?

Accepted Answer

Once you're happy with the estimates you see on the calculator, the next step is easy. Just click the "Get Your Quote" button. It takes about 2 minutes to apply, and because we offer same-day funding options, you could have the actual funds in your account in as little as 2 hours.

Business Funding Questions
Answered

Still have questions?

Got Your Questions Answered?

Business Funding QuestionsAnswered

Can I get business funding if my bank declined my application?Eligibility

What if I have poor credit history or CCJs?Eligibility

How quickly can I get funding for urgent business needs?Process

What are the eligibility requirements for alternative business finance?Eligibility

How does SME Finance Hub get paid?Fees & Commissions

Are there any upfront fees to apply?Fees & Commissions

Will I ever have to pay a broker fee?Fees & Commissions

Can I find out what commission you'll receive?Fees & Commissions

Are you influenced by which lenders pay higher commissions?Fees & Commissions

What security is required for the loans?Security

What types of alternative business funding are available?Loan Types

How does the application process work?Process

Is the credit check a soft search that won't affect my credit score?Process

How accurate is the business loan calculator?Calculator & Costs

What is the difference between a Factor Rate and an Interest Rate?Calculator & Costs

Will using the calculator affect my credit score?Calculator & Costs

Are there any hidden fees I should know about?Calculator & Costs

Why should I use a broker instead of just a bank's calculator?Calculator & Costs

How do I get a "real" quote for my business?Calculator & Costs

Still have questions?

Got Your Questions Answered?

Business Funding Questions
Answered