Business Loans & Funding for Women in the UK

Women founders are starting businesses at record rates, yet still face a well-documented funding gap. The financing itself is the same as for any business — but there are also dedicated grants and networks worth knowing about.

Mainstream loan options

Women-led businesses can access the full range of finance: unsecured loans, secured loans, merchant cash advances and the government-backed Growth Guarantee Scheme. Lenders assess the business, not the founder’s gender.

Grants and dedicated support

• Regional growth hubs and local enterprise partnerships often run women-in-business grants.
• The Start Up Loans scheme offers government-backed personal loans for new founders, with mentoring.
• Organisations and networks provide funding, accelerators and investor introductions for female founders.

See our UK business grants guide for how to find and apply for non-repayable funding.

Accessing finance with confidence

Prepare a clear, numbers-led case: how much you need, what it funds and the return you expect. A whole-of-market comparison helps you benchmark offers and negotiate from a position of strength.

This article is general information, not financial advice. Eligibility, rates and terms vary by lender and your circumstances. The Loans Hub is a finance broker, not a lender.