South West Business Loans

Written by Richard Wilcock | February 13, 2026

Table of contents

• Growing your business in the South West
• Business loans available across the South West
• What you’ll need to apply for a South West business loan
• How Capalona works

Check your eligibility for business funding

Checking won’t affect your credit score

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Growing your business in the South West

There’s a thriving business community in the South West. The region ranks third among English regions, with 1,113 businesses per 10,000 adults. This is great news for any budding or new small business owners considering starting up in the South West.

Although the region is buzzing with all kinds of businesses, including tech startups, manufacturing firms, and creative agencies, it also draws a lot of tourism with its picturesque hotspots in places like Cornwall and Devon.

So, it’s not surprising that many businesses have to manage seasonal cash flow. With an influx of visitors through the spring and summer months, business owners can find it challenging to keep cash flow healthy.

That’s why access to flexible funding is essential, and at Capalona, we work with flexible lenders who understand your sector and its specific challenges.

Compare South West Corporate Finance.

Business loans available across the South West

We help you compare small business loans from multiple lenders to find suitable financing options. Here are some of those options:

Unsecured business loans

You can borrow between £1,000 and £500,000 without risking any of your assets. Unsecured business loans are ideal when your business needs funding quickly. Because there’s no collateral involved, the loan application process is much quicker and straightforward.

If you’ve got at least three months of trading history and a good, healthy cash flow, you could be eligible for an unsecured loan. Lenders can approve you in a matter of hours and see funds in your business bank account within 48 hours.

Secured business loans

If you’re looking for loan amounts up to and in excess of £2 million, or you want better interest rates, a secured business loan might be a better choice. You secure these loans with high-value assets like commercial property, vehicles, or equipment as collateral. Risking an asset like this lowers the lender’s risk, which can mean more competitive interest rates, higher borrowing limits, and longer repayment terms.

Check your eligibility for business funding

Checking won’t affect your credit score

Get Started

Startup business loans

If you’re a new business operating in the South West, you might find that traditional lending eligibility criteria are pretty strict. Instead of demanding at least two years of trading history, though, alternative lenders look at your business holistically. That means their decisions aren’t just based on historic accounts.

As long as your business has been trading for less than 36 months, you’re a UK resident with a UK-based business, and you can afford to repay the loan, you could be eligible for a startup loan.

Invoice finance

Invoice finance unlocks the cash tied up in unpaid customer invoices. This means you’re not waiting around for 30 or 60 days; you can keep cash flowing. You can quickly stock up on items selling fast to take advantage of the peak tourist season in the South West, or complete manufacturing jobs without delay.

What you’ll need to apply for a South West business loan

Lender criteria vary, and so does their application process. But most lenders will want to see:

• At least three months of trading history
• Recent bank statements (usually 3-6 months)
• Proof of identity and address
• Explanation of how you’ll use the funding
• Financial projections
• A detailed business plan that shows market research

How Capalona works

Our business loan comparison tool makes finding business funding quick and easy.

1. Tell us about your business

Complete our short online form about your business, funding needs, and circumstances. This won’t affect your credit score.

2. Compare your options

We check your eligibility across multiple UK lenders and show you which options best suit your business needs. You can compare estimated loan amounts, typical APRs, and other things the lender can offer you.

3. Apply with confidence

Choose a lender that fits your needs and apply directly.

We work with all kinds of lenders, so we’re confident we can help you find options regardless of your business stage, credit profile, or business sector.

See what business loans you’re eligible for now. Getting a quote won’t affect your credit score; our platform is free to use, and you’re under no obligation to accept any offer.

Compare South West business loans.

About the author

Written by Richard Wilcock

Money Writer, Director and Co-Founder

Richard is one of the Co-Founders here at Capalona and has over 20 years of experience in the marketing industry, specialising in the finance sector.

Updated: February 13, 2026
Published: February 13, 2026