Start Up Business Loans & Finance

A poor credit history can affect your ability to get finance but at Portman we work with a number of specialist lenders who may be able to help. For new businesses, your ability to obtain finance is based on a number of factors including your turnover or projection, your business plan, your personal wealth and homeownership status, other businesses you may be involved with and your own credit history. A bad credit history will affect the rates you are able to obtain but might not prevent you from obtaining credit entirely. As much as we aim to help every start-up business that comes to us, poor credit history is likely to limit your ability to get finance for your company. For new businesses, your ability to obtain finance is based on several factors, including: Your turnover or projection, Your business plan, Your personal wealth and homeownership status, Other businesses you may be involved with. Poor credit history will affect the rates you can obtain and may prevent you from obtaining credit entirely. If you have poor credit, we suggest you look at ways to increase your credit score before applying for a start-up loan.

Typically, startup business loans may require a deposit or collateral as a form of security, depending on the lender and the specific terms of the loan. However, it’s essential to research and compare different lenders to find options that may not require a deposit or offer flexible alternatives.

To get finance for starting a business, you have several options to consider. Firstly, you can apply for start-up business loans offered by banks and lenders specifically tailored for new ventures. Another option is crowdfunding, where you collect small contributions from a large number of people through online platforms. Additionally, you can seek funding from angel investors or venture capitalists who provide financial support in exchange for an equity stake in your business. Using personal savings or receiving help from family and friends is another possibility.  Alternatively, explore government programs that may be available for start-ups in your area. Whichever option you choose, make sure to have a solid business plan and financial projections to demonstrate the potential success of your business.

Finance could take as little as 24 hours up to a few of weeks, depending on eligibility for finance and the amount of borrowing required.

How much a new-start business is able to borrow depends on a range of factors including: your business plan and projections, any other businesses you may be involved in, the value of your property and the assets you are looking to purchase. The best option is to enquire with Portman and one of our Account Managers can discuss your individual needs.

Yes, Portman does offer seasonal payment terms. Many of our customers naturally experience high demand for their services during certain times of the year as well quieter periods during others. We tailor all finance agreements to the needs of each business, and lower payments can be arranged during periods when there is a predictable reduction in trade.

Unfortunately, Portman can only finance companies registered and operating in the UK.

Portman can guide you through the application process. After discussing your needs and collecting business documents we can save you time, completing proposals and applications on your behalf. In the first instance, the documents we would need are: copies of a recognised photo ID, 6 months of bank statements, a copy of your business plan and possibly a copy of your CV. For established businesses we would also ask for a copy of your management accounts, profit and loss and balance sheet.

The interest rates available to each customer vary based on a large number of factors including the trading history and credit rating of the business, the credit history of any company directors, company turnover, how much money is required and what the funds are being used for. For customers with the best credit rating, Annual Flat Rates start from: Vehicle Finance – 5.5% Asset / Equipment Finance – 5.9% Growth Guarantee Scheme Asset Finance – 6.49% Unsecured Term Loan – 7.2% No PG Tax Loan – 9.4% Short-term Loan – 12.3% Short-term Flexi-Loan – 13.2%

Whilst banks can offer different rates, they often reject certain type of purchase, businesses in different industries and have very strict lending criteria. At Portman we deal with a panel of over 40 lenders as well funding businesses with our own money. We have access to specialist lenders and specialist types of finance, giving a variety of options and a greater chance of success. Portman may have rates that are not available to a customer who goes direct and can also explore the whole lending market in one go, saving you time. We have access to specialist lenders that are not available to individuals and can even put together finance packages from multiple lenders. All of which gives you competitive rates, with a greater chance of acceptance.