Short-Term Business Finance | Decision in 24 Hours
Short-Term Business Loans — funding that moves fast
Not every funding need is a five-year commitment. Borrow £10,000–£250,000 over a term as short as 6 months, cover the cost you’re facing right now, and clear the loan without being tied into it for years.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
£50,000 – £500,000
Loan amount
6 – 60 months
Repayment term
Fixed monthly payments
No surprise charges
No early repayment fees
Repay whenever you're ready
Funding in 48 Hours
Speedy finance to suit you
Won’t affect your credit score
- Soft credit check — no footprint
- No early repayment fees
- Funds in as little as 48 hours
- Human decisions, not just algorithms
What is a short-term business loan?
A short-term business loan is unsecured funding that lets your business cover a cost now and repay it quickly, without the multi-year commitment of a standard business loan. You borrow a fixed amount, repay it over 6 months, and use the funds however your business needs.
Businesses commonly use short-term loans to cover:
Cash flow gaps
Bridge the space between an outgoing cost and money coming in from customers or clients.
One-off costs
Cover a repair, a deposit, or an unexpected bill without disrupting working capital.
Time-limited opportunities
Act quickly on stock at a discount, a lease coming available, or a short window to win new business.
Pay Tax Bills Fast
Tax bill looming that you're struggling to cover? Short-term business loans with Acceptance could be the solution.
£500k
Best suited for
Businesses that need quick financing to cover shortfalls, unexpected costs or VAT or other tax bills.
Do I own the asset?
This depends on the type of agreement. With hire purchase, you own the asset at the end of the term. With finance leasing, you use it for the agreed period. We’ll explain your options clearly before you commit.
The process
How do I apply for a short-term business loan?
Built for speed — a short-term need shouldn’t come with a long-winded process.
Apply in minutes
A quick online form. Tell us about your business and how much you need.
Soft credit check
We check your eligibility without leaving a mark on your credit file.
We say yes
A real person reviews your application and comes back to you within 24 hours.
Money in your account
Sign your agreement and the funds are on their way — often the same day.
Costs
How much will a short-term business loan cost me?
Your rate is personalised and confirmed before you commit. Based on our representative APR of 18.9%, here are some illustrative examples:
| Loan amount | Acceptance | Monthly Repayments | Total repayable |
|---|---|---|---|
| £50,000 | 24 months | £2,510 | £60,240 |
| £100,000 | 36 months | £3,640 | £131,040 |
| £200,000 | 48 months | £5,820 | £279,360 |
| £350,000 | 60 months | £9,030 | £541,800 |
| £500,000 | 60 months | £12,920 | £775,200 |
18.9%
What fees are there?
None hidden. Interest is built into your fixed monthly repayment — that’s the only cost.
Can I repay early?
Yes, at any time with zero penalties. You only pay interest for the period you held the loan.
What are the advantages of a short-term business loan?
- Advantages
- Clear the loan in months, not years — less time tied into debt
- Usually a lower total cost of borrowing than the same amount over a longer term
- Fixed repayments — easy to budget
- Decision in 24 hours
- Repay early with zero penalties
- Not secured against business assets
- Disadvantages
- Monthly repayments are higher than the same amount spread over a longer term
- Best suited to a specific, time-bound cost rather than ongoing funding needs
- Requires 6+ months trading history
- Total cost is still higher than paying outright
Eligibility Requirements
Am I eligible for a short-term business loan?
We lend across all sectors. Meet the basics below and there’s a strong chance we can help.
Based in the UK
Registered and actively trading in the United Kingdom.
Trading 6+ months
A shorter history requirement than our standard business loans.
£50,000+ annual turnover
Enough revenue to service the loan comfortably.
Director, owner, or partner
Legal authority to take on debt for the business.
Not currently insolvent
No administration, liquidation, or unpaid CCJs.
We welcome applications from limited companies, sole traders, partnerships, and LLPs — including newer businesses and those with bad credit.
Requirements
What do I need to apply for a short-term business loan?
Company registration number
To verify your business with Companies House.
3 months of bank statements
To understand your trading performance and make a decision quickly.
Annual turnover
We need to see that your business generates at least £50,000 per year in revenue.
Contact details
We'll need your name, email address, phone number, and your role within the business.
Features
What do you get with an Acceptance short-term loan?
Borrow £50k – £500k
Choose the exact amount your business needs.
6 to 24 month terms
Clear the loan in a matter of months.
Fixed monthly repayments
Know exactly what you owe each month. No surprises.
No security required
Your business assets stay yours, free and clear.
Repay early, fee-free
Pay off your loan early at any time — no penalties.
Human decisions
A real person reviews every application — not just an algorithm.
Work out your loan
What will my short-term business loan repayments be?
Get an instant estimate based on the asset value and your preferred term. No credit impact.
- Finance £50,000 to £500,000
- Terms from 6 to 60 months
- No early repayment penalties
Your loan estimate
Illustrative only. No impact on your credit score.
Representative APR 18.9%. Subject to status and eligibility. For illustrative purposes only.
Your actual rate may differ. See full calculator
Put it to work
What can you do with short-term funding?
Whatever the deadline, here’s what our customers use short-term loans for.
- Bridge a gap between an outgoing cost and incoming payment
- Cover a tax bill or unexpected cost
- Fund a short marketing push
- Buy stock or inventory ahead of a busy period
- Cover payroll during a temporary shortfall
- Act quickly on a time-limited opportunity
Common questions about asset finance
What's the difference between a short-term and standard business loan?
Term length, mainly. Short-term loans run from 6 to 24 months, while our standard unsecured business loan runs from 6 to 60 months. Shorter terms usually mean higher monthly repayments but a lower total cost of borrowing.
How much can I borrow on a short-term basis?
Between £10,000 and £250,000, depending on your business's trading history and affordability.
Will a short-term loan cost less overall than a longer-term one?
Yes, if you can afford the higher monthly repayment — you're paying interest for fewer months in total. Use the calculator above to compare the total repayable across different terms.
Will applying affect my credit score?
No. Checking your eligibility uses a soft credit check, which leaves no footprint on your credit file. A full check only happens if you choose to proceed, and we'll tell you first.
How quickly can I get a short-term business loan?
Most applicants receive a decision within 24 hours, with funds released in as little as 48 hours.
Can I repay a short-term loan even earlier than the agreed term?
Yes, at any time with zero penalties. You only pay interest for the period you held the loan.
Explore more
Other ways Acceptance can fund your business
Loan for Tax Bills
Borrow to avoid HMRC late payments on corporation, PAYE or any other tax bill.
VAT Loans
Borrow to clear your VAT return and repay in fixed monthly installments.