What is the British Business Bank?

The British Business Bank helps smaller businesses across the UK access the finance they need to grow. It is a key part of the government's plan for small and medium-sized businesses, with a mandate to improve access to finance for small businesses and provide financing solutions so small businesses can reach their potential.

When the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) published its plan for small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in July 2025, it included details of a longer-term commitment to the British Business Bank’s Growth Guarantee Scheme, helping more businesses access the finance they need to grow and invest, as well as a £3 billion boost to British Business Bank to help lenders offer more small business loans.

The recent launch of the government’s Business Growth Service has increased the strength and reach of Buckinghamshire Business First’s support, including when it comes to the British Business Bank, with whom we regularly work in partnership on events, including an upcoming event in January and a successful event held in October which you can read more about further on in this article.

What support does the British Business Bank offer?

Start Up Loans

Government-backed loans of up to £25,000 are available to people starting a new business or who have been trading for less than three years.

There is further eligibility criteria, which you can see here. The loans come with a fixed interest rate of 6% per year, with loans repayed over a term of 1-5 years.

As well as the loan, recipients also get 12 months of free mentoring, support with writing business plans and cash flow forecasts, and a range of useful templates and how-to guides.

Growth Guarantee Scheme

The Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS) is designed to support access to finance for UK businesses as they look to invest and grow. The government-backed guarantee reduces risk for finance providers, making them more willing to lend. A wide range of products are supported by different lenders, including term loans, overdrafts, asset finance, invoice finance and asset-based lending. It is available through accredited lenders. Search for an accredited lender here.

Bank Referral Scheme

The Bank Referral Scheme helps businesses by referring them to the right lender when they have been unsuccessful in finding a lending facility.

Making business finance work for you

The 'Making business finance work for you' guide is designed to help you make an informed choice about accessing the right type of finance for your business. The guide highlights the seven most common challenges your business might face, and the types of finance that could help you meet them. Download the guide here. Accessible versions are available - scroll to the bottom of the linked page to find these.

Guide to managing business debt

If your business is having difficulty with debt, there are various things you can do to make yourself more resilient. The British Business Banbk has designed a guide to provide impartial information to help businesses through survival and onto recovery, helping them stabilise and move forward to growth and future success. Download the guide here.

Discover more support and resources on the British Business Bank website.

Finance Power Hour - January 2026

We are teaming up with the British Business Bank for an online event that will help you understand the different finance options available to support your individual business needs. The Finance Power Hour is hosted by Sue Elliott, Senior Manager at the British Business Bank, an experienced commercial manager helping smaller businesses access finance for growth. Book your place here.

BBF has the connections that make a difference

The government's plan for small businesses has Growth Hubs like Buckinghamshire Business First right at its heart. As the Growth Hub for Buckinghamshire, delivering joined-up support for businesses is part of our mission statement.

As an integral part of one of the government's flagship business support policies, it means that businesses that get more involved with Buckinghamshire Business First can expect to get even more back from the support we offer.

Building on a brilliant event in October

Our connections with the British Business Bank are just one example of how we can help businesses find the very best support that matches their specific needs. They also lead to collaborations on game-changing events such as a recent one that took place during Business Finance Week where, on a high-impact morning at Westcott Innovation Centre, we dove into the realities of angel investing and early-stage finance. The room was alive with connections - founders, funders, and advisers all sharing ideas and making introductions that could shape future collaborations.

After a fascinating overview of Buckinghamshire’s funding landscape from Heather Dean highlighting the challenges founders face, the strengths of the local investment community, and what’s still missing, the focus shifted to the space sector, where Nayen Pankhania from Satellite Applications Catapult shared powerful insights into the scaling challenges and emerging opportunities for space startups.

Founders including Cécile Mazuet Eller (NameSwitch), Larry Kotch (Flybox), Jonny West (Flomark), and David Galsworthy (HyScore) shared honest, practical stories about securing investment and growing their businesses. We also heard from investors and advisers at Haatch Ventures, KP Consulting Partners, The FSE Group and Innovate UK Business Growth, who offered clear guidance on what makes a business investable and how to prepare for funding rounds. Expertly hosted by Sue Elliott and Esi Eshun from the British Business Bank, the sessions sparked valuable conversations and connections.

Don't miss the next event!

Finance Power Hour, January 2026

This online event, held in partnership with the British Business Bank, will help you understand the different finance options available to support your individual business needs. Book your place for this must-attend event.

Ask one of our Business Advisers for support

Our Business Advisers are experienced, well-connected people who know what it's like to run their own business. They know the types of challenges that you'll be facing and will know which direction to point you in, whatever your query is. Contact the team at [email protected] or 01494 927130, or fill in this quick form to book in a chat with one of the team.

With Buckinghamshire Business First at your side, your team gets even bigger.