I run a farm or a land-based business
Grants, equipment finance and loans for farms, cheapest first.
Farms need expensive machinery and buildings, and their income often comes in once or twice a year. That makes grants, asset finance and lenders who understand seasonal income the main options.
In England, the government's farming funding page lists the grants and schemes for farmers, growers and land managers, such as equipment and technology grants, environmental land management schemes and capital grants. Many open only for set windows, so check which are open now. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland run their own schemes.
12 routes to look at, cheapest first
Compare the first 4 side by side- 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.- Own cash and no-cost
Supplier trade credit (negotiated payment terms)
Agree with your suppliers to pay them some time after they deliver. It works like a short, interest-free loan, but suppliers set the limits and may want a track record first.
Weeks - Grants, tax reliefs and prizes
Capital allowances, Patent Box and creative-industry reliefs
Tax reliefs that cut your tax bill when you buy equipment, earn profits from patents, or make films, TV, games or shows. They do not bring in new money, but they leave more of your own cash in the business.
Months - 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
- Own cash and no-cost
- L1
Very cheap or subsidised
Borrowing on better terms than the market, usually because a public body, community lender or large buyer is involved.- Own cash and no-cost
HMRC payment plan (Time to Pay)
If you cannot pay a tax bill on time, HMRC may agree a payment plan so you can pay it off in monthly instalments instead of all at once.
DaysNot a raise - Government-backed and community lending
Community development finance (CDFI) loans
Loans from Community Development Finance Institutions, lenders that exist to support small businesses, start-ups and sole traders that mainstream banks often overlook.
DaysPersonal guarantee likely - Government-backed and community lending
Growth Guarantee Scheme
A British Business Bank scheme that gives accredited lenders a 70% government guarantee, so they can offer loans, overdrafts, asset finance and invoice finance to smaller businesses they might otherwise turn down.
Weeks£1k to £2mPersonal guarantee likely
- Own cash and no-cost
- L2
Mainstream secured debt
Standard borrowing from banks and mainstream lenders, often secured on assets or backed by a personal guarantee.- Bank and mainstream debt
Asset finance (hire purchase and leasing)
Spread the cost of equipment, vehicles or machinery over time through hire purchase or leasing, instead of paying for it all up front.
Weeks - Bank and mainstream debt
Asset refinance and sale and leaseback
Raise cash against equipment, vehicles or property the business already owns, and keep using them. The lender takes ownership until you have paid it back, and can take the asset if you do not.
Weeks - Bank and mainstream debt
Bank term loan
A fixed amount borrowed from a bank or other mainstream lender and repaid in regular instalments over an agreed term, with interest.
WeeksPersonal guarantee likely - Bank and mainstream debt
Business credit card
A credit card in the business's name, with a spending limit and often a short interest-free period. Handy for everyday costs and small purchases, but expensive if you carry a balance.
DaysPersonal guarantee likely - Bank and mainstream debt
Commercial mortgage
A long-term loan secured on business property, to buy premises you will use yourself or rent to another business.
Months
- Bank and mainstream debt
- L3
Specialist secured debt
Borrowing secured on specific assets such as invoices or stock, with more fees and conditions than mainstream debt.
Worth knowing
- Grant windows open and close during the year. Have quotes for equipment ready so you can apply when one opens.
- Ask lenders whether repayments can follow your seasons, so they fall when your income comes in.
- Machinery can often be refinanced to release cash, but the provider can take it back if you miss payments.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Funding for farmers, growers and land managers (England; updated 1 October 2026) · checked 10 October 2026
Facts about each route are sourced on its own page.