The Small Business Lifeline - Bounce Back Loans

The previous grants and scheme’s announced by the government to help small businesses have been great, however, there are still a lot of small businesses left out in the cold and vulnerable. If you’re a small business who has no premesis (or even operates in a co-working enviroment), has no employees, is not VAT Registered, is a sole Director of a Limited Company, or you’ve put all your savings and efforts into starting a business this year, chances are there’s no help on offer for you.

For previous government grants and scheme’s available, please check our previous blog posts here.

But, thanks to the Bounce Back Loan Scheme, announced today, that all changes.

What is the Bounce Back Loan (BBL) Scheme?

The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme was an absolute shambles. If you were eligible for an ordinary banking product, that’s what you’d get. No 12 month’s interest free. There were only initially 40 accredited lenders, which created a massive bottle-neck, so applications took weeks, most of which still have not had a response – or any access to funding, and the lenders also required usual security (such as a Director Personal Guarantee), and also wanted detailed information on you and your business, so applications took an age. This simply wasn’t good enough, with small businesses being ignored and running out of cash fast, whilst the high street banks were rubbing their hands together, selling their products en-masse.

The BBL is different, and seems perfect for the smaller business who need financial help.

• Application is VERY simple and takes less than 2 minutes
• All you need is your 2019 turnover figure, and details of your business
• Apply for £2k-£50k. Maximum of 25% of your 2019 turnover, or £50k, whichever is higher
• Government pays the interest for the first 12 months
• No repayment for the first 12 months
• Loan term of 6 years, with no early repayment penalty
• Interest rate fixed at 2.5%pa
• Pay-out expected to be within 24-48 hours
• Providing you were not entering insolvency, or a loss making situation and have not received help under the CIBL’s scheme, you should be eligible

For full details see here. Applications should be made direct to the accredited lenders, which are listed on the British Business Bank website here. If your bank is listed, you’re encouraged to apply with them, as it’s easier and quicker.