Growth Guarantee Scheme – GGS

Business Finance Supported by a Government Backed Lender Guarantee

Growth Guarantee Scheme

A government backed scheme designed to support access to finance for smaller UK businesses looking to invest, grow or manage cashflow, approached through accredited lenders and assessed on normal commercial criteria.

The right starting point is not simply whether the scheme exists, but whether it is the most suitable route for your requirement and which accredited lender is the best fit.

Start with what you want the funding to achieve. We will consider GGS alongside other potentially appropriate funding routes.

At a glance

The scheme generally supports facilities up to £2 million, gives the lender a 70% government backed guarantee, and the borrower remains fully liable for repayment. It is currently open to smaller businesses with turnover of up to £45 million on a group basis.

Important Information

The Aftersales Network Limited is a credit broker and not a lender. We are a private company. We are not part of, affiliated with or endorsed by the UK Government, the Department for Business and Trade or the British Business Bank, and we do not act on their behalf.

The Growth Guarantee Scheme is administered by the British Business Bank on behalf of the Secretary of State for Business and Trade and is available only through accredited lenders. All lending decisions rest with the lender.

Read the official scheme information published by the British Business Bank (opens in a new tab)

What The Scheme Is

A support mechanism for lenders, not a guarantee to the borrower.

The Growth Guarantee Scheme is the successor to the Recovery Loan Scheme. It is designed to improve access to finance for smaller UK businesses by giving accredited lenders additional certainty over credit risk.

It does not remove the need for affordability, lender underwriting or normal credit assessment, and the borrower remains 100% liable for the debt.

Core Features

Generally up to £2 million per business group
70% government backed guarantee to the lender
Currently open to smaller businesses with turnover of up to £45 million on a group basis
An increase in the turnover limit to £54 million has been announced. The published limit remains £45 million
Term loans, overdrafts, asset finance, invoice finance and asset based lending supported
Provided through accredited lenders only
Subject to lender discretion, affordability and status

Typical Uses

Often used where a business needs finance for growth, investment or cashflow support.

Working capital To support cashflow, debtor timing, stock cycles or seasonal trading pressure.
Investment To support expansion, equipment purchase, operational improvement or broader business development.
Growth plans Where a viable business needs debt finance to move forward with greater confidence and scale.

Important Distinction

The scheme can help, but it is not always the best route.

If a lender can offer a normal commercial facility on better terms, it will generally do so. That means the real question is not simply whether the scheme is available, but whether it improves the funding outcome for your business.

In some cases the right route may still sit outside the scheme altogether.

Our Role

A broker led assessment of whether GGS is the right fit.

The Aftersales Network Limited is a credit broker and not a lender. We assess the funding requirement, the likely lender appetite, the commercial structure and whether a GGS backed facility is genuinely appropriate.

That means a more considered route into the market rather than simply approaching lenders blindly.

Strategic Funding Assessment

Start with the outcome. Then identify the right funding route.

If you are considering GGS, tell us what you need the funding to achieve. We will review the requirement in context before deciding whether GGS, conventional business finance or another structure is the more appropriate route to explore.

Step 01
Tell us what you need Outline the business, funding requirement, purpose, amount, timing and current position.
Step 02
We assess the structure We consider whether GGS genuinely improves the funding outcome or whether another route may be more appropriate.
Step 03
Position the enquiry Where appropriate, we identify suitable lender appetite and determine the next step before an approach is made.

What Happens Next

Start with the requirement, not the label.

Review the funding purpose, amount and urgency
Assess whether GGS is appropriate or whether a standard commercial facility is better
Identify the most suitable accredited lender or alternative route
Position the enquiry cleanly and commercially

Next Step

Considering GGS? Start with the funding outcome.

Complete our Strategic Funding Assessment and tell us what you are looking to achieve. We will consider the Growth Guarantee Scheme alongside other potentially appropriate funding routes before deciding what should happen next.

Start Your Funding Assessment Discuss Your Requirement Call 0845 299 6668
The Aftersales Network Limited is a credit broker and not a lender. The Aftersales Network Limited is not part of, and does not act on behalf of, the UK Government or the British Business Bank. All funding is subject to status, scheme eligibility, lender criteria and approval. The borrower remains fully liable for repayment of any facility.