guide / Growth Guarantee Scheme

Growth Guarantee Scheme eligibility

Eligibility for the Growth Guarantee Scheme depends on the business meeting scheme rules and an accredited lender’s own credit assessment. A business generally needs UK trading activity and group turnover of no more than £45 million. The usual group borrowing limit is £2 million, but Northern Ireland protocol rules and sector-specific limits can reduce it. Meeting these tests does not guarantee funding.

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Independent broker guidance Evidence linked below Reviewed 30 September 2026

At a glance

What you need to know before you apply.

Review the principal Growth Guarantee Scheme eligibility tests and understand why lender approval is still required.

Group turnover generally no more than £45 million.

Usual total group scheme borrowing cap is £2 million.

The accredited lender makes the final credit decision.

Important distinction. The Growth Guarantee Scheme guarantee is provided to the lender, not the business. The borrower remains fully liable for the debt. A personal guarantee may be requested at the lender’s discretion; scheme backing does not guarantee approval.

Business and turnover tests

The scheme is designed for eligible UK businesses, and the British Business Bank sets detailed criteria covering business location, activity, status and exclusions. The turnover test generally uses the applicant’s group turnover, not just the turnover of one trading entity. Check current official criteria with the lender before applying.

The general group turnover ceiling is £45 million.
Some activities or circumstances may be excluded under scheme rules.
Group structures can affect eligibility and the calculation.

Facility limits and lender assessment

The usual maximum of £2 million applies to total scheme-backed borrowing at group level, rather than necessarily to one facility. Limits may be lower for some Northern Ireland businesses under the Windsor Framework subsidy control arrangements or for particular sectors. The lender also assesses affordability, credit history, business viability, security and product fit.

Some Northern Ireland cases have a £1 million limit.
Sector-specific restrictions can apply.
The lender may decline an eligible application based on its assessment.

Evidence to prepare

A lender will tell the applicant which materials it needs. Complete, consistent information can help the lender assess the case, but does not promise an outcome. Explain group ownership, existing scheme borrowing, funding purpose and expected repayment source accurately.

Recent accounts and management information.
Cash-flow forecasts and existing debt details.
Ownership and group structure information.

Further clarity

Questions, answered.

The detail matters. These answers are general guidance, not a lending decision. A lender will assess your particular circumstances.

Is £45 million turnover measured for one company or the whole group?

The general threshold is based on group turnover. Ask the accredited lender to confirm how it applies the rules to your ownership and group structure.

Does meeting the eligibility rules guarantee approval?

No. Eligibility allows an application to be considered; the accredited lender still conducts its own assessment and can decline or offer different terms.

Evidence & review

Sources & official information

Scheme terms can change. We link to the material behind this guide so you can check the latest position directly.

Last reviewed: 30 September 2026

Sources checked: 30 September 2026

Next scheduled review: 30 October 2026

British Business BankGrowth Guarantee Scheme

British Business BankGrowth Guarantee Scheme frequently asked questions

UK GovernmentGrowth Guarantee Scheme

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We’ll listen to your funding requirement, explain the available routes and help you understand what a lender may ask for. No scheme eligibility or approval is promised.

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