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EnglishWhat is British Business Bank and what does it do?
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British Business Bank is a government-owned economic bank that helps smaller UK businesses access finance. It is most useful if you are a UK smaller business looking for finance to start, scale or stay in the UK, and you want guidance, a way to compare finance options, or a government-backed programme. It works with partners and accredited lenders rather than only lending directly, so the practical next step is usually to use its guidance and Finance Finder, then apply through a provider or programme.
What British Business Bank does
The bank describes its role as helping smaller businesses across the UK access the finance they need to grow by working with partners, offering guidance, and supporting a stronger, more inclusive finance market. Its mission is framed as helping smaller businesses access finance to start, scale and stay in the UK.
That means it is not simply a direct lender you apply to for every need. Its website points you toward:
- Guidance and resources on finance options through the Finance Finder.
- Preparation steps before you seek finance or investment.
- Partners and providers who could support access to the right finance.
- Government-backed programmes that are currently open for applications.
The three-step route on its site
The site sets out a simple path for businesses looking for finance:
- Explore finance options — answer a few quick questions about your business to discover potential finance options.
- Prepare for finance — learn what steps to take before seeking finance or investment.
- Find partners — discover providers and partners who could support you in accessing finance.
This is a useful sequence if you are at an early stage and do not yet know which finance product fits. Start with the Finance Finder, then use the preparation guidance before approaching providers.
Government-backed programmes currently open
The site lists these programmes as open for applications:
| Programme | What it offers | Who it may suit |
|---|---|---|
| Start Up Loans | Low-interest personal loans and free mentoring; over 125,000 business ideas supported with more than £1.25 billion worth of loans | People starting or growing a new business |
| Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS) | Supports access to finance for UK smaller businesses looking to invest and grow; successor to the Recovery Loan Scheme, launched with accredited lenders on 1 July 2024 | Smaller businesses seeking finance to invest and grow |
| Community ENABLE Funding Programme | Supports Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs), which can help if you have been turned down by mainstream lenders and support diverse businesses and underserved areas | Businesses struggling to secure finance from mainstream lenders |
Each programme has its own eligibility and application route through partners or accredited lenders, so check the specific programme page before applying.
Stated impact
The bank reports £39bn delivered, 250k jobs expected, and £43bn GVA generated. These figures describe its overall impact rather than what an individual business can expect, but they indicate the scale of the finance market it supports.
When it is relevant to you
British Business Bank is relevant if you are a UK smaller business that wants to:
- Understand which finance options exist before applying.
- Prepare an application or investment case.
- Find a provider or partner, including alternatives if mainstream lenders have turned you down.
- Apply to a government-backed programme such as Start Up Loans or the Growth Guarantee Scheme.
It is less relevant if you already have a specific lender and product in mind and only need to apply directly, or if you are outside the UK smaller business market it serves.