I want to sell abroad, or I've won an export order

1. L0

   Free or nearly free

   Little or no cash cost, though most take time and admin. Some bring money in, and a few have small fees.
   • Grants, tax reliefs and prizes

     Local, regional and sector grants

     Grants from councils, combined authorities, the devolved governments and sector bodies, often for equipment, jobs, energy saving or exporting. You do not repay them, but they are usually small and come and go.

     MonthsUp to £315k
2. L1

   Very cheap or subsidised

   Borrowing on better terms than the market, usually because a public body, community lender or large buyer is involved.
   • Government-backed and community lending

     UK Export Finance General Export Facility

     UK Export Finance, the government's export credit agency, partly guarantees your bank's finance so exporters can get working capital and trade finance facilities more easily.

     WeeksUp to £25mPersonal guarantee likely
3. L2

   Mainstream secured debt

   Standard borrowing from banks and mainstream lenders, often secured on assets or backed by a personal guarantee.
   • Government-backed and community lending

     British Business Bank regional investment funds

     Government-backed funds for smaller businesses in each nation and region, offering loans from £25,000 to £2 million and equity up to £5 million through local fund managers. Terms are commercial, not subsidised.

     Weeks£25k to £5mLoans, or shares if you choosePersonal guarantee likely
   • Government-backed and community lending

     Development Bank of Wales

     The Welsh Government's own development bank, offering loans from £1,000 to £10 million and equity investment to businesses based in Wales or moving there. Loans are priced on risk.

     Weeks£1k to £10mLoans, or shares if you choosePersonal guarantee likely
   • Government-backed and community lending

     Invest NI loan and equity funds

     Loan and equity funds backed by Invest NI, Northern Ireland's economic development agency, from small business loans of £10,000 to equity rounds of up to £2.5 million. Each fund is run by a private fund manager.

     Weeks£10k to £2.5mLoans, or shares if you choosePersonal guarantee likely
4. L3

   Specialist secured debt

   Borrowing secured on specific assets such as invoices or stock, with more fees and conditions than mainstream debt.
   • Asset-based and specialist lending

     Stock and purchase order finance

     Finance to pay suppliers for stock, or to fulfil a large customer order, repaid when the goods are sold. It lets you take on bigger orders, but fees are high and the money can only be used for those goods.

     Weeks
   • Asset-based and specialist lending

     Trade finance (letters of credit, bonds and trade loans)

     Bank products that help businesses buy from or sell to other countries: guarantees that you will be paid, bonds your buyer may ask for, and short loans to pay suppliers. They reduce the risk of trading abroad, but they are complex and usually need a track record.

     Weeks

Sources

1. GOV.UK: UK Export Finance · checked 10 October 2026

Facts about each route are sourced on its own page.