SHORT-TERM BUSINESS LOANS

Short-term business loans for long-term growth

Unexpected expenses or opportunities shouldn’t slow you down. A short-term business loan gives you the flexibility to act fast, with repayment terms from 3 to 24 months.

Finance could be available in as little as 24-48 hours

Adapt to opportunities and challenges quickly

Pay less total interest with shorter repayment terms

Apply now

Already a Tide member? You can apply for a business loan and other finance directly within the Tide app.

Tide has joined forces with Funding Options, becoming the largest credit marketplace in the UK.

Providing over £1.1 billion in funding to more than 19,000 UK businesses, we’re on a mission to help business owners grow with confidence.

Why use Tide to get a short-term business loan?

From online applications to a wide range of lending partners, we’ve built a smarter way for businesses to access the short-term finance they need to thrive.

Apply online in minutes

Save valuable time by applying for a loan through our online process. Our intuitive application is designed to take just a few minutes, allowing you to bypass the paperwork and get back to growing your business in no time.

Compare options easily

Gain access to our network of over 80 trusted lenders to find the right fit. By comparing multiple offers in one place, you'll have a better chance of securing a deal that aligns with your specific business goals and cash flow needs.

Protect your credit score

Check your loan options with total peace of mind. Applying for a loan through Tide has no impact on your credit score, allowing you to see what you qualify for without affecting your financial footprint.

Access a range of business finance options from our trusted partners

What are the benefits of short-term business loans?

Flexible finance

Short-term business loans let you borrow exactly what you need for a short period, making them a more versatile option compared to longer-term financing.

Faster approvals

Lenders typically assess short term loan applications quickly, helping you address urgent financial needs efficiently.

Higher approval rates

Short-term business lending typically has less stringent eligibility criteria compared to longer-term financing, making it more accessible to a wider range of businesses.

Less overall interest

Despite higher interest rates, shorter terms can result in less total interest paid if repaid more quickly than long-term loans.

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Are you eligible for a short-term business loan?

To be eligible for any type of business loan or credit from Tide, you must:

Be over 18

Be a UK resident

Have a UK-based business

Have a UK bank account

How to apply for a short-term business loan

Tell us how much you need to borrow We’ll ask you how much you need, what it’s for, and for some basic information about your business.

Compare loans without impacting your credit score We’ll connect you to the largest network of lenders in the UK, so you can view affordable credit options that suit the unique needs of your business.

Apply in minutes Once approved, you’ll receive a quote from a lender you matched with.

Get a decision and credit is released Depending on the type of finance you’ve applied for, the money could be released in around 24 hours.

Apply now

We've already helped businesses secure more than £1.1 billion

We’ve provided funding to more than 19,000 businesses across the UK, as part of our mission to help business owners grow with confidence.

What is a short-term business loan?

Short-term business loans let you access the finance you need to keep things running smoothly when money’s tight. They can be especially useful for bridging gaps in cash flow, covering urgent expenses, or taking advantage of time-sensitive opportunities.

You’ll typically receive a lump sum upfront, and pay it back monthly over a period of 3-24 months. Payments are usually higher than longer-term loans. But because you’ll pay back the loan over a relatively short period, you’ll clear the debt faster and typically pay less overall interest.

Short term business loans can be secured (backed by assets like property) or unsecured, depending on the lender and your business profile. Lenders will assess factors like your credit history, turnover, and trading performance to determine your eligibility, interest rate, and how much they’re willing to lend.

What can a short-term loan be used for?

Seasonal stock

Peak seasons and promotions can increase demand, but you’ll need to be prepared. A short-term business loan lets you stock up on inventory in advance, so you can keep your customers happy.

Cash flow gaps

Even thriving businesses can face quiet periods or delayed payments. Finance can bridge this gap, allowing you to cover employee wages, supplier payments, and overheads without the stress.

Marketing campaigns

Growth starts with visibility. Whether it’s a social media push, a local promotion, or a digital ad campaign, a well-funded marketing campaign helps put your business in front of the right audience at the right time.

VAT and tax bills

Tax deadlines - especially quarterly VAT returns - don’t always align with your cash flow. With the finance to settle your tax bills on time, you can avoid HMRC penalties and keep your working capital focused on growth.

Unexpected costs

If equipment fails, needs repair, or urgently needs upgrading, a short term loan can provide the cash you need to fix, replace or upgrade, and keep your operations running efficiently.

New opportunities

You’ll often need to act fast to take advantage of limited time deals, bulk discounts or time-sensitive partnerships. A well-timed cash injection can help seize opportunities before they disappear.

Types of short-term business finance solutions

Need to access finance quickly? There are plenty of options to consider, from specialist finance to all-purpose credit.

Aaron MoOng Ong Buns

With the help of Tide and their team of business finance experts, I was able to navigate the complexities of business finance, and secure the necessary funds to grow my business.

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How to track your business credit score

Are you wanting to improve your business credit score?

Credit Score Insights is a simple and affordable way to help you understand, track and take action to help you boost your business credit score.

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