How to Get a Business Loan

How to Get a Business Loan?

Running a small business isn’t for the faint-hearted. Whether you’re managing a busy high street shop or keeping tools moving on site, cash flow can make or break your operation. At some point, you’ll ask the big question:

How do I get a business loan?

Let’s answer it—clearly, quickly, and with your real-world challenges in mind.

Why Do SMEs Need Business Loans?

Before diving into the “how”, let’s tackle the why.

• Buying stock in bulk?
  A loan can get you better supplier prices.

• Covering overheads during a slow season?
  Funding keeps things ticking until trade picks up.

• Upgrading equipment or expanding?
  Investment fuels growth—when done wisely.

• Hiring more staff or covering payroll?
  Your team is your power. Funding makes scaling possible.

If any of that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Thousands of SMEs across the UK rely on business finance every year to stay competitive and agile.

How to Get a Business Loan (Without the Headaches)

Getting a business loan shouldn’t feel like pulling teeth. Yet for many small business owners, especially those in trades or retail, it can feel exactly like that.

Here’s how to simplify the process—and increase your chances of getting approved.

1. Know What You Need (and Why)

Before you apply, be crystal clear:

• How much do you need?

• What will the funds be used for?

• How quickly do you need it?

• How long will you need to repay it?

Being prepared not only speeds up approval—it shows lenders you’re serious and organised.

🔧 Example: A plumbing business needs £30k to buy a new van and expand into a neighbouring town. That’s a clear, investable case for a business loan.

2. Understand Your Credit Health

Lenders check your credit score—but that’s just the start.

They look at:

• Trading history

• Cash flow

• Profitability

• Existing debt

Don’t panic if your credit isn’t perfect. At First Oak Capital, we look beyond the numbers. We understand that life happens, and a bad month doesn’t mean a bad business.

🚫 Other brokers might dismiss you outright.
✅ We don’t. We look at the full picture.

3. Decide: Go Direct or Use a Broker?

You can approach banks or lenders directly, or you can work with a broker. Here’s why using a broker—especially one who “gets” SMEs—makes sense:

✅ Save Time

You won’t have to fill out ten applications or chase call-backs.

✅ Better Approval Odds

Brokers know which lenders are likely to say yes based on your profile.

✅ Access to More Options

Many specialist lenders only work through brokers.

✅ No Wasted Credit Checks

Too many hard searches hurt your score. We match you strategically.

Why Work With First Oak Capital?

Good question. There are loads of brokers out there, but here’s the difference:
We don’t just push paperwork. We partner with you.

Most brokers rely on algorithms. If you don’t fit their box, you’re out.

We do things differently.

• We listen. We take the time to understand your business model.

• We dig deeper. A bad credit score doesn’t tell the whole story.

• We’ve walked in your shoes. We’ve worked with hundreds of trades and retail businesses.

• We don’t waste your time. If it’s a no, we tell you early. But more often than not, we find a way forward.

💬 “First Oak actually listened to what I needed, and didn’t treat me like a number.” – Paul, Builder from Nottingham

Types of Business Loans Available to You

Now that you’ve got your plan, let’s talk options.

✅ Unsecured Business Loans

No collateral needed. Fast, flexible, and ideal for short-term needs.

• Borrow £5,000 to £500,000

• Terms from 3 to 60 months

• Great for cash flow or marketing

✅ Secured Loans

Using property or equipment as security can unlock better rates and higher amounts.

• Lower interest rates

• Suitable for larger expansions

✅ Asset Finance

Need a van, new tills, or machinery?

• Spread the cost over time

• Keep your cash free for other priorities

✅ Merchant Cash Advance

For retailers taking card payments.

• Borrow based on your card sales

• Repay automatically as you trade

✅ Invoice Finance

Waiting on invoices? Free up cash immediately.

• Ideal for trades and suppliers

• No more cash flow gaps

Not sure which one suits your situation? That’s what we’re here for.

What You’ll Need to Apply

Keep this list handy. While exact requirements vary by lender, here’s what most will want:

• 6 months of business bank statements

• Latest filed accounts (if available)

• Details of your trading history

• Business plan (for newer businesses)

• Proof of ID and address

If you’re not sure how to pull all that together, we’ll guide you. Simple.

What If You’ve Been Declined Before?

Maybe the bank said no. Maybe another broker ghosted you.

We get it. That hurts—and it knocks your confidence.

But don’t give up just yet.

At First Oak Capital, we specialise in:

• Startups and new businesses

• Low or poor credit

• Seasonal trading models

• Trades with fluctuating income

• Retailers with high card turnover but low margins

We know that traditional lenders often don’t understand these models. But we do.

Your Pain Points—Solved

Let’s break down the top frustrations we hear from business owners like you—and how we fix them.

❌ “The bank didn’t even look at my application.”

✅ We match you with lenders who do want to work with your business type.

❌ “I don’t have time to compare 20 options.”

✅ We do the legwork. You get the best offer on your desk—fast.

❌ “My last broker gave up when one lender said no.”

✅ We don’t quit at the first ‘no’. We push until we find the ‘yes’.

❌ “I need the money now, not in six weeks.”

✅ We move fast. Many of our clients get funded in 24–48 hours.

What Makes First Oak Capital Different?

We’re not a call centre. We’re not an automated chatbot. We’re real people who care about helping UK businesses succeed — whether you’re just getting started or scaling up.

Here’s how we’re different:

• We understand the pressures and unpredictability business owners face

• We speak in plain English — no jargon, no fluff

• We move fast when timing matters most

• We offer honest advice based on real experience, not sales scripts

Most importantly, we don’t stop at “computer says no.”
If you’re turned down by a lender, we’ll tell you why — and what to do next. Often, there’s another lender or a better-fit product we can pivot to straight away.

As proud supporters of the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB), we uphold the highest standards in transparency, ethics, and client care — so you know you’re working with professionals who genuinely have your back.

You focus on your business. We’ll take care of the finance.

How the Process Works with First Oak Capital

You’re busy. So we make it simple.

Step 1: Quick Discovery Call

We learn about your business, goals, and challenges.

Step 2: Tailored Matchmaking

We match you with lenders who suit your needs—not the other way around.

Step 3: Application Support

We handle the paperwork. You focus on running your business.

Step 4: Approval & Funding

Fast decisions. Fast funding. No fluff.

What You Can Expect Working With Us

✅ A quick call to understand your business and goals
✅ Clear, honest feedback on what’s possible
✅ An expert who handles the heavy lifting
✅ A well-matched lender and a smooth process
✅ Support from start to finish (and beyond)

You’ll never be just a number. We treat every client like we’re part of your team.

Ready to borrow smarter?

Click here to apply now or speak to one of our friendly brokers today.