problem / Growth Guarantee Scheme

Growth Guarantee Scheme with poor credit

A poor credit history does not by itself establish whether a Growth Guarantee Scheme application will succeed; an accredited lender considers the full circumstances and its own credit criteria. The scheme guarantee does not replace underwriting or remove borrower liability. Explain adverse events accurately, provide context and current evidence, and do not assume that a lender must accept an application.

Discuss your funding Read the key facts

Independent broker guidance Evidence linked below Reviewed 30 September 2026

At a glance

What you need to know before you apply.

How credit history may be considered and what information to prepare when discussing finance.

The lender makes its own credit assessment.

The guarantee does not assure approval or remove repayment liability.

Be accurate about credit events and current financial position.

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.

Credit assessment is lender-led

Accredited lenders assess applications using their own policies alongside scheme requirements. They may consider payment history, existing commitments, recent financial events, affordability and business prospects. There is no public promise that a particular credit profile will qualify or be accepted.

Eligibility and credit approval are separate questions.
Lender criteria can vary.
The business remains liable for the full debt if approved.

Prepare a clear explanation

If there are adverse credit events, set out what happened, when it occurred and what has changed since. Provide accurate records and evidence of the present position. Do not omit liabilities or make claims about guaranteed acceptance.

Check business and relevant personal credit information for errors.
Explain corrective steps and current repayment capacity.
Ensure forecasts account for existing debt and costs.

Discuss realistic options

Ask an accredited lender which products it considers and whether any application is appropriate before proceeding. A different structure may or may not be available. Compare full costs and security, and seek qualified debt or professional advice if the business is struggling to meet existing obligations.

Use the official directory to find participating lenders.
Do not pay for promises of approval.
The scheme cannot make an unaffordable facility suitable.

Further clarity

Questions, answered.

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

Does the scheme guarantee approval for businesses with poor credit?

No. The guarantee applies to eligible lender losses, not the borrower’s application. Each lender makes its own credit and affordability decision.

Should I explain old missed payments?

Provide accurate information requested by the lender and explain relevant context and what has changed. The lender decides how it affects its assessment.

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 frequently asked questions

British Business BankGrowth Guarantee Scheme

British Business BankGrowth Guarantee Scheme accredited lenders

A useful conversation starts here

Let’s look at the whole picture.

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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