Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS)
What is the Growth Guarantee Scheme?
The Growth Guarantee Scheme is a UK government initiative delivered through the British Business Bank. It provides a partial government guarantee to accredited lenders, enabling them to offer finance to viable UK businesses that might otherwise struggle to access it.
What it means for your business
The guarantee is for the lender, not for you. You are still fully liable for repaying the loan, the government guarantee simply gives lenders confidence to approve businesses they might otherwise decline. It does not mean a free loan or a grant.
Key Facts
- Available to UK businesses with turnover up to £45 million
- Finance from £25,001 to £2 million
- Terms up to 6 years for term loans and asset finance
- Up to 3 years for overdrafts and invoice finance
- Personal guarantees: lenders cannot take a personal guarantee on facilities up to £250,000
- Interest rates: set by the lender, the scheme does not cap rates
- Products covered: term loans, overdrafts, invoice finance, asset finance, revolving credit
Who can apply
Most UK businesses trading for any length of time. Lenders will conduct their own credit assessment, the scheme does not guarantee approval.
Who cannot apply
Banks and building societies, insurers, public sector bodies, and state-funded schools.
Other Active Schemes
Start Up Loans
Government-backed personal loans for new businesses under 36 months trading. Up to £25,000 per director at a fixed 6% interest rate. Mentoring included. Delivered by the British Business Bank through delivery partners.
Funding Flow does not arrange Start Up Loans directly.
ENABLE Guarantee
Supports lending to smaller businesses and SMEs through a government guarantee to lenders. Less visible than GGS but used by some specialist lenders on our panel for specific sectors.
Availability varies by lender and sector.
Export Finance (UKEF)
UK Export Finance provides guarantees and insurance for UK exporters. Relevant for businesses exporting goods or services. Works alongside trade finance.
Complex product, speak to us before applying.