Smaller Loans
Loans from £25,000 to £100,000
- Small Business Loans
- For new or growing businesses
Whether you are an entrepreneur wishing to start your own business, an early stage or more established business looking to grow, you may find it difficult obtaining the finance you need. Smaller Loans can be used to fill the funding gap for growth and development projects, delivered by GC Business Finance and River Capital.
Why Choose NPIF II Smaller Loans?
- Loans from £25,000 to £100,000
- Available to businesses across the North West
- Support for growing businesses
- Flexible funding solutions
- Dedicated account manager
- One-to-one support throughout the application process
Who can apply?
- SMEs located in the North West of England that requires finance to achieve their start-up, development or growth plans.
- To apply you will need to be able to provide a business plan.
What We Offer?
- Loans from £25,000 - £100,000
- Flexible terms tailored to your business requirements.
- Designated account manager
- Bespoke 1-to-1 support throughout application process.
Would you like to speak to one of the team about your potential funding needs and plans for business growth? Click here NPIFteam@growthco.uk and email us with your name, phone number, and company name. One of our advisors will be in touch.
Find out what your loan could look like
NPIF II Smaller Loans - FAQs
🔹What is NPIF II?
NPIF II is the £660m Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II, a government‑backed programme from the British Business Bank that provides loans and equity to help SMEs across the North of England grow.
🔹Who delivers NPIF II Smaller Loans in the North West?
In the North West, NPIF II Smaller Loans (£25k–£100k) are delivered by GC Business Finance and River Capital.
🔹How much can I borrow?
You can apply for a loan between £25,000 and £100,000.
🔹Who can apply?
SMEs based in the North West of England who need funding to start, develop, or grow their business. You will need to provide a business plan as part of the application.
🔹What can the loan be used for?
NPIF II Smaller Loans can support a wide range of growth needs, including:
- Working capital
- Expansion projects
- Leasing or upgrading premises
- Buying equipment or assets
- Hiring staff
- Launching new products or services
🔹Do I need to have been declined by a bank?
No, but NPIF II is designed to support businesses who struggle to access traditional bank finance, so a decline or difficulty with bank lending is common.
🔹How fast is the decision?
Decision times vary based on the completeness of your application, but NPIF II is designed to offer fast, human‑led decisions with a dedicated account manager.
🔹Is the funding flexible?
Yes, NPIF II offers flexible terms tailored to your business, with 1‑to‑1 support throughout the process.
🔹Is NPIF II regulated?
The British Business Bank and Nations and Regions Investment Limited are not authorised or regulated by the FCA or PRA.
🔹Do you support underrepresented founders?
Yes, NPIF II has a strong track record of backing female‑led and underrepresented founders, with 41% of investments going to female‑founded businesses in the first year.
🔹Can I apply if I’m a start‑up?
Yes, NPIF II supports new, early‑stage, and established businesses as long as they can demonstrate loan serviceability and a viable plan.
🔹How do I apply?
You can apply directly through GC Business Finance. You’ll be asked for:
- A business plan
- Financial information
- Details of your funding requirement A dedicated manager will guide you through the process.
🔹What can the funding be used for?
Funding can be used for a range of business purposes, including working capital, recruitment, equipment purchases, technology investment and business growth.
NPIF II – GC Business Finance & River Capital Smaller Loans is delivered in partnership with GC Business Finance and River Capital across the North West.
River Capital
River Capital, part of the MSIF group, supports small and medium sized businesses across the North West to accelerate growth and achieve their full potential and fuel ambition through flexible funding solutions.
Through our people, expertise and proven track record backed by £140m under management, we bring the energy and opportunity to businesses seeking either equity or debt funding to grow and bring prosperity to the North
To learn more about River Capital visit.
NPIF II Smaller Loans NW LP023615 registered in England, is jointly managed by BFS Funding Managers Limited and River Capital Management Limited. BFS Funding Managers Limited is registered in England, with company number 08714352, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), FRN 608682. River Capital Management Limited is registered in England, with company number 03099944, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) FRN 180891.