Business Loans

Business Loan

Definition

A business loan is money advanced to a business under an agreement to repay the borrowing, usually with interest and any agreed fees.
Author:
Sorbus Finance
Reviewed by:
Arran Turner, 11 November 2026
Published:

How business loan works

The agreement specifies the amount, repayment dates, term, pricing and any security or guarantees. A lender assesses the business’s ability to repay, using evidence such as accounts, bank statements and the purpose of the funds.

Practical UK business example

A retailer borrows to refurbish premises and repays from expected trading cash flow. It tests whether payments remain affordable if the refurbishment disrupts sales.

Illustrative example only; not a finance quotation or a client case study.

Why it matters

A loan can fund investment or a defined cash requirement without selling shares. It also creates a fixed obligation that must be met independently of whether the investment performs as expected.

Limitations and common misconceptions

Business loan is not one uniform product. An unsecured offer may still require a personal guarantee, and a lower instalment may reflect a longer, more expensive term rather than a better price.

Discuss business borrowing to discuss how the structure relates to your business.

Further reading from Sorbus Finance

References

  1. British Business Bank: forms of business finance

This definition is general information for UK businesses, not personal advice. Lender criteria and product terms vary. Sorbus Finance is a broker, not a lender.

Related finance resources (1)
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