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Growth Guarantee Scheme
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Start Funding SearchMoney Pilot helps UK SMEs secure loans under the Growth Guarantee Scheme.
We work with approved lenders to deliver fair, transparent finance for growth and innovation.
Complete a fast but in-depth overview of your finance requirements to allow our powerful matching engine to source the right lenders for you.
Engage directly with lenders in real-time, with our friendly advisors always on hand to guide you through every step of the funding journey.
Track your enquiry in real-time and seamlessly move to application— all in one place—getting you to your funds faster and with less hassle.
Money Pilot guides SMEs through Growth Guarantee Scheme funding with clarity and pace. We align eligibility, lender options, and documentation, then manage the application to decision.
With transparent terms and proactive support, you secure GGS finance to invest and grow.
Secure substantial, lasting capital for major expansion, infrastructure, and long-term stability:
✅ What is the Growth Guarantee Scheme and who is eligible in the UK?
The Growth Guarantee Scheme is a UK government-backed lending programme providing eligible SMEs with access to business loans of up to £2 million, with the government guaranteeing 70% of the loan amount to accredited lenders. UK-based businesses with annual turnover under £45 million can apply through accredited lenders. Money Pilot compares accredited Growth Guarantee Scheme lenders — FCA regulated (FRN: 968705), zero broker fees.
The Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS) is administered by the British Business Bank and delivered through a panel of accredited lenders including banks, challenger lenders, and specialist finance providers. The government provides a 70% guarantee to the lender — meaning the lender takes only 30% of the credit risk — which allows accredited lenders to approve applications that might otherwise fall outside their standard lending criteria.
Bank of England held base rate at 4.25% in June 2026 — waiting for inflation to cool.
73% of UK SMEs expect to grow in the next 12 months — confidence remains strong.
The government guarantee does not mean the government repays the loan if you default — you remain personally and commercially liable for the full loan amount. What the guarantee does is reduce the risk to the lender, which means accredited GGS lenders can approve applications with less security and less trading history than their standard criteria would normally require. Money Pilot compares GGS accredited lenders alongside broader business finance options at zero broker fees.
The Growth Guarantee Scheme is available to a wide range of UK businesses, but specific eligibility criteria apply. Understanding these before applying avoids wasted time and unnecessary credit searches.
GGS eligibility requirements:
The Growth Guarantee Scheme gives accredited lenders confidence to approve applications that standard lending criteria might decline — without removing the borrower's responsibility to repay.
Before applying for a Growth Guarantee Scheme loan, understanding these four key points will help you choose the right lender, manage expectations, and compare GGS against other business finance options.
The 70% government guarantee under the GGS protects the lender against loss in the event of default — it does not protect the borrower. If you default on your GGS loan, the lender will pursue you for the full outstanding balance through normal recovery procedures before claiming on the guarantee. The guarantee makes it easier for the lender to approve your application, but you must be confident you can service and repay the loan before proceeding.
The Growth Guarantee Scheme sets the maximum loan amount and guarantee structure, but individual lenders set their own interest rates, fees, and terms within the scheme framework. This means GGS loan pricing varies significantly between accredited lenders. Comparing multiple accredited lenders before accepting terms is essential — a specialist broker with access to the full panel identifies the most competitive deal for your specific application.
GGS lenders can require a personal guarantee from business owners as additional security, but they cannot take a first charge over the borrower's primary residential property. Understanding what you are personally guaranteeing before signing is essential. Money Pilot explains all terms clearly before any application proceeds.
The Growth Guarantee Scheme is one of several government-backed and specialist business lending options. Depending on your business profile, trading history, and funding requirement, secured business loans, invoice finance, or asset finance may offer better terms. Money Pilot compares all options at zero broker fees.
Bank of England held base rate at 4.25% in June 2026 — waiting for inflation to cool.
73% of UK SMEs expect to grow in the next 12 months — confidence remains strong.
Eligible UK businesses can borrow up to £2 million under the Growth Guarantee Scheme. The actual amount offered will depend on your business turnover, profitability, existing debt commitments, and the specific lender's assessment of your repayment capacity. Not all businesses that are eligible will be offered the maximum amount — the lender assesses affordability individually for each application.
GGS term loans can have repayment terms of up to 6 years. Other facility types available under the scheme — including revolving credit facilities and asset finance — may have different maximum terms. The right term depends on the purpose of the borrowing, your cash flow projections, and the monthly repayment level your business can comfortably service.
GGS loans can be used for working capital, investment in equipment or business assets, purchase of commercial premises, business growth and expansion costs, and in some cases business acquisitions. Loans cannot be used for personal purposes. The lender will require evidence of the intended use of funds and a credible business case before approving.
Yes — the Growth Guarantee Scheme replaced the Recovery Loan Scheme as the primary UK government-backed business lending programme. The GGS operates on similar principles but with updated eligibility criteria and an increased emphasis on supporting genuine business growth and investment rather than pandemic recovery.
GGS loan timelines vary between accredited lenders. Some challengers and specialist lenders offer faster decisions than the major banks — approvals within 48 to 72 hours for straightforward applications are achievable with the right lender. Money Pilot identifies the fastest-moving accredited lender for your specific application profile.
Money Pilot compares Growth Guarantee Scheme lenders across the full accredited panel — identifying the lender most likely to approve your application and offer competitive terms. We also compare GGS against other business finance options to ensure you access the right product. Zero broker fees. FCA regulated (FRN: 968705). Call 020 4634 8617.
Disclosure: Money Pilot Ltd (FRN: 968705) is an Appointed Representative of Yellow Stone Finance Group Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 814533). Yellow Stone Finance Group Ltd is a credit broker not a lender. Money Pilot Ltd is Registered in England and Wales No: 13621432. You should always make sure you are able to afford any repayments as late or missed payments can affect your credit rating and access to future finance.
YOUR PROPERTY MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT.