Growth Guarantee Scheme launched to help smaller businesses

Smaller businesses in Surrey can now get access to finance to invest in and grow their company via the British Business Bankโ€™s Growth Guarantee Scheme (GSS).

The new scheme is the successor to the Recovery Loan Scheme and has been designed to support UK smaller businesses to access the finance they need to invest and grow.

So far, there are 41 accredited lenders providing access to finance under the Scheme, with more expected to be accredited by the British Business Bank over the coming weeks.

The GGS will provide access to a range of different types of finance to suit the needs of smaller businesses, including term loans, overdrafts, asset finance, invoice finance and asset-based lending.

The Key Features of the Scheme

The key features of the GGS are broadly similar to those of its predecessor, The Recovery Loan Scheme, and include:

  • Finance available from ยฃ1,000 up to ยฃ2m per business group, depending on the type of finance product
  • Wide range of products including: term loans, overdrafts, asset finance, invoice finance and asset-based lending facilities
  • Term length:โ€ฏTerm loans and asset finance facilities are available from three months up to six years, with overdrafts, invoice finance and asset-based lending available from three months up to three years
  • Access to multiple schemes:โ€ฏBusinesses that took out a Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS), Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) or a Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS) facility before 30 June 2024 may still access the Growth Guarantee Scheme
  • Pricing:โ€ฏFees and interest rates charged by lenders will vary but will take into account the benefit to the lender of the Government guarantee
  • Personal Guarantees: Can be taken at the lenderโ€™s discretion, in line with their normal commercial lending practices. (Principal Private Residences cannot be taken as security within the scheme)
  • Guarantee is to the lender:โ€ฏThe scheme provides the lender with a 70% government-backed guarantee. Please note: the borrower always remains 100% liable for the debt
  • Decision-making is at the lenderโ€™s discretion:โ€ฏfinance is provided at the discretion of the lender subject to their usual credit application checks.

How do I apply for the Growth Guarantee Scheme?

More information on the Growth Guarantee Scheme, including the list of accredited lenders, is available on the British Business Bank website.

What other support is available for smaller businesses in Surrey?

We offer a range of advice and support for Surrey businesses. Get in touch today to find out more via our business support form.

You can also search for information and support available near you via our Support Directory.

Woman stands outdoors holding a box of plants. She stands in cobbled street

Free short online course launched for SMEs by government

Small business leaders across Surrey can now access Help to Grow: Management Essentials, a free short online course packed with practical tips to help their company grow.

The Department for Business and Trade launched the new Help to Grow: Management Essentials course last week (April 24, 2024).

Based on the 12-week Help to Grow: Management Course, Essentials is suited to leaders of newer or smaller SMEs, or those who are looking to explore the principles of business growth and management before taking the next step and enrolling in the full course.

It is intended to support Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) leaders to establish their roots as they look ahead to scale up and grow their business.

How do I access Help to Grow: Management Essentials?

Essentials is the latest addition to the extensive package of SME support announced by Government as part of the โ€˜Help to Growโ€™ campaign: a one-stop shop for SMEs.

The course is free, with content divided into three easy-to-access modules consisting of short videos and supporting resources covering the essential business concepts required to unlock growth. Business leaders can access the course through the Help to Grow website.

Businesses in Surrey can also access free bespoke support from the new growth hub service run by Surrey County Council via the business support form on the Business Surrey website.

What do businesses say about Help to Grow: Management Essentials?

Byron Dixon, founder of Micro Fresh said:

“These videos are jam-packed with inspiration and practical tips for small business leaders. I wish Iโ€™d had this type of resource available to me when I was scaling my business.”

Martin McTague, National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses, said:

“FSB has been making the case for a streamlined, digital taster session version of the Help to Grow Management course, and weโ€™re delighted to see this now delivered. Businesses with fewer than five employees were ineligible for the full Help to Grow course, so this is particularly good news.

“This will better fit with the busy lives of small business owners who struggled with the initial commitment for 12-week intensive learning. It means many more can now access the benefits of Help to Grow and see the benefits of committing to the longer course as follow-up.”

Michael Hayman, MBE, Chair of the Small Business Charter said:

“Designed by the experts at Small Business Charter accredited business schools, the Help to Grow: Management Essentials Course will provide new opportunities for smaller firms to unlock their business potential.

“Essentials joins the full Help to Grow: Management Course which has already helped thousands of business leaders develop the skills they need to accelerate growth, productivity and innovation. Together they provide a unique opportunity for businesses across the SME community to benefit.”

Enterprise Nation Founder and CEO, Emma Jones CBE, said:

“As a delivery partner on the Help to Grow: Management course, we see the positive impact this initiative has on small business confidence and productivity every day. One thing that stands out is the value that working one-to-one with a matched mentor can have, bringing the lessons learned on the course alive in a very practical setting.

“Helping business leaders understand the clear benefits that taking time out of the business to sharpen business knowledge can have – and practical support on how to apply that to their own business cannot be overstated.”

Sign up to the Management Essentials course via the Small Business Charter website.