GC Business Finance

GC Business Finance We provide affordable business loans and services in order to help budding entrepreneurs succeed.

As part of the Government’s Solutions for Business Services, BFS has a range of affordable business loans ranging from £500 through to £500,000 delivered on behalf on the Department for Business innovation & Skills (DBIS) by a team of experienced lending professionals.

Thinking about starting a business?Our Start Up Loan application process is designed to guide you from idea to funding w...
27/05/2026

Thinking about starting a business?

Our Start Up Loan application process is designed to guide you from idea to funding with clarity and confidence. Eligible businesses can apply whether they’re pre‑start or trading for up to five years.

Here’s how the process works:
1️⃣ Apply directly via our website: https://businessfinancestartup.co.uk/
2️⃣ A credit check will be carried out as part of the assessment
3️⃣ Upload your business plan, cash flow forecast, and personal survival budget
4️⃣ Add your supporting documents (bank statements, ID, etc.)
5️⃣ Submit your application for review
6️⃣ If approved, your funds will be released

Whether you’re refining an idea or ready to launch, this process gives you a structured path to move forward.

If you’re planning to apply, now is a great time to get your documents in order and take that next step toward building your business.

🔗 https://businessfinance.growthco.uk/

Chester catering duo cook up a new venture with Start Up Loan backing.Friends Connor Drew and Amy Freeman have launched ...
19/05/2026

Chester catering duo cook up a new venture with Start Up Loan backing.

Friends Connor Drew and Amy Freeman have launched Little Padrón, an independent catering business built on their combined 20 years of hospitality experience. After spotting an opportunity to expand into mobile street food, the pair secured £20,000 through the British Business Bank's Start Up Loans programme, delivered by GC Business Finance.

The funding helped them-
➡️Purchase and refurbish a converted horse‑box food trailer
➡️Secure a prep unit
➡️Invest in equipment for private catering
➡️Cover pitch fees and early operating costs

Since their first market event in March 2025, Little Padron has grown steadily, now serving festivals, markets, weddings and private events across the North West.

Connor said: “Without the loan, we really wouldn’t have been able to do a lot. It allowed us to actually get started rather than just talk about it.”

Alongside funding, the founders also benefited from expert mentoring through the programme, helping them navigate early challenges and plan for long‑term growth.

If you’re an SME looking for funding to start or grow your business, check your eligibility here: https://businessfinance.growthco.uk/?utm_source=FB&utm_medium=Organic&utm_campaign=Little+Padron+Case+Study&utm_term=GCBF&utm_content=social+post

“We set up Black Milk almost a decade ago from humble roots. I grew up on a council estate, and the NPIF II funding has ...
30/04/2026

“We set up Black Milk almost a decade ago from humble roots. I grew up on a council estate, and the NPIF II funding has been crucial in providing support to get to where we are today- we wouldn’t have been able to achieve what we have without it.

We wouldn’t have been able to stock shelves in Selfridges or create a cereal in partnership with other brilliant brands without the funding, so we’re really grateful to NPIF II for supporting us as we grow. We are now able to give back, and support some brilliant local charities, such as Mad Dog Street Project and Mustard Tree.”

- Oliver Lloyd-Taylor, Founder of Black Milk

At GC Business Finance, we’re proud to help founders like Oliver turn their plans into progress. Through the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II, we’re supporting businesses across the North to access the finance they need to grow, innovate and create jobs.

If you’re struggling to get finance from a bank, try us. With our government‑backed funds, we take a more holistic view of every application, helping real businesses access the support they deserve.

👉 Check your eligibility and try our free loans calculator- https://businessfinance.growthco.uk/what-we-do/npif-2-smaller-loans/

Some ideas start small but grow into something truly meaningful.For Sam Anderson‑Parker, that idea was HD Horsemanship: ...
24/04/2026

Some ideas start small but grow into something truly meaningful.

For Sam Anderson‑Parker, that idea was HD Horsemanship: an inclusive, sensory‑aware equine space where children can build confidence, connect with animals, and learn at their own pace. What began as a vision to support young people who don’t always fit into mainstream riding schools has quickly become a lifeline for families across Dorset.

With the help of a £5,000 Start Up Loan delivered through GC Business Finance, Sam invested in essential equipment, strengthened the operating model, and expanded the herd creating a safe, structured environment designed around each child’s needs.

Since opening in November, HD Horsemanship has:

👉Grown from four to five ponies
👉 Supported up to 40 young people through 1:1, child‑led sessions
👉 Built a calm, inclusive space for home‑educated children and those with SEND
👉 Shown what’s possible when purpose‑driven founders get the right support

Sam’s journey is a powerful reminder that GC Start Ups loans don’t just fund businesses, they help build confidence, create opportunities, and strengthen communities.

Read the full story: https://businessfinancestartup.co.uk/news/hd-horsemanship-inclusive-riding-business-saddles-up-for-growth-with-start-up-loan-backing/

If you’re an aspiring founder with a vision of your own, our team is here to help you take that first step.

Could your idea be the next success story?

The Start Up Loans scheme has just expanded - opening the door for thousands more UK founders.As of 6 April 2026, The Br...
17/04/2026

The Start Up Loans scheme has just expanded - opening the door for thousands more UK founders.

As of 6 April 2026, The British Business Bank's Start Up Loan Scheme has extended it's eligibility criteria, allowing businesses trading for up to five years to apply. Previously it was just three years. At a time when many traditional banks funding support for starts-ups and early-stage businesses have declined, this is welcome news.

As a national delivery partner, GC Business Finance supports founders through every stage - from checking eligibility to submitting a strong application.

What the updated scheme offers:

☑️ Up to £25,000 per director (max £100,000 per business)
☑️ Fixed 7.5% interest rate*
☑️ 1–5 year repayment terms
☑️ 12 months of free mentoring
☑️ No early redemption charges
☑️ Backed by the UK Government

If you’re an early‑stage business looking to grow, consolidate or take the next step, this update could make all the difference.

Explore the scheme and start your application:
👉https://businessfinancestartup.co.uk/

*Representative example: 7.8% APR* Representative based on a loan of £10,000 repayable over 60 months at an interest rate of 7.5% per annum (fixed). 60 monthly repayments of £200.38, total amount payable £12,022.77. This is only an example, your actual rate will vary based on your circumstances.

Looking for funding to accelerate your business growth in the North West? 🚀NPIF II – GC Business Finance & River Capital...
09/04/2026

Looking for funding to accelerate your business growth in the North West? 🚀

NPIF II – GC Business Finance & River Capital Smaller Loans are designed to do more than provide finance- they help ambitious SMEs unlock their next stage of development.

Why businesses choose us-
💡 We're geared to support businesses unable to secure mainstream funding and are passionate about the businesses we partner with.
💷 Loans from £25,000–£100,000
🔄 Flexible terms shaped around your business needs
🤝 A dedicated account manager
📞 Bespoke 1‑to‑1 support throughout the application process

Whether you’re seeking working capital, expanding into new premises, investing in assets, or scaling operations, our funding is built to empower your growth.

Who can apply-
📍SMEs based in the North West of England with clear start‑up, development, or growth plans.
📝A business plan will be required as part of the application.

If you’re ready to take the next step or even just have a conversation, we’re here to help you move with confidence.

🔗https://businessfinance.growthco.uk/what-we-do/npif-2-smaller-loans/

01/04/2026

Simple, fast and fair - that’s how business lending should be.

We deliver a straightforward, fair and impartial service to our clients. Apply for a business loan in minutes with our easy online tool. Find out if you're eligible for a loan with our quick approval turnaround. After creating your account and getting approval, your funding will be released into your account.

Check your eligibility in minutes-https://gcbfloanapplication.growthco.uk/?utm_source=Check_Eligibility&utm_medium=Homepage

We’re live at the Festival of Enterprise 2026 at Campfield, Manchester - EnterprisingYou -  GM Business Growth Hub’s fla...
20/03/2026

We’re live at the Festival of Enterprise 2026 at Campfield, Manchester - EnterprisingYou - GM Business Growth Hub’s flagship Festival of Enterprise event, facilitated by Elevate.

Great to see so many founders, innovators and early‑stage entrepreneurs coming through already. If you’re here today, come and chat to Ashley Alletson and Andy Nichols about how GC Business Finance can help you start, strengthen, and scale your business with the right funding and support.

There’s a brilliant buzz across the venue - workshops, keynotes, pitching sessions and a marketplace full of local businesses doing incredible things.

📍 Campfield, Liverpool Road, Manchester

🕘 9:00am – 4:00pm

If you’re attending, come say hello and we’d love to meet you 😊

18/03/2026

From a Manchester café favourite to a nationally recognised brand - Black Milk’s growth story keeps getting sweeter.

Founded by Oliver Lloyd-Taylor nine years ago, Black Milk has become known for its award‑winning treats, including their now‑viral Pistachio Cream and even a recent collaboration with Krispy Kreme, bringing a limited‑edition Pistachio Overload doughnut to stores across the UK & Ireland, Tesco, and their Northern Quarter café.

In 2024, they secured funding from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II, delivered by GC Business Finance and River Capital, to scale production, expand their range, and reach new audiences.

Watch their story to see how the right funding can help turn ambition into national success. https://businessfinance.growthco.uk/news/posts/2025/march/black-milk-s-growth-story-from-funding-to-national-recognition/

Thinking of growing your business in the North? See how our Fund could support your plans.

17/02/2026

SUPERMASSIVE is redefining immersive entertainment and we’re proud to have supported their journey.

With a £50,000 investment from NPIF II – GC Business Finance & River Capital Smaller Loans, the team transformed a bold creative vision into a multi-sensory indoor experience at Depot Mayfield, Manchester — welcoming 40,000+ visitors in just six months.

The team is now exploring expansion into London and Liverpool, alongside growing their B2B immersive technology offering.

🎬 Watch our case study video to hear from the founders about their growth journey, the impact of funding, and what’s next.

Address

Lee House 90 Great Bridgewater Street
Manchester
M15JW

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

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