Growth Guarantee Scheme
Government-Backed Finance Support for UK Smaller Businesses
The Growth Guarantee Scheme, or GGS, is designed to support access to finance for UK smaller businesses looking to invest and grow.
Through The Aftersales Network Limited, eligible businesses can explore suitable funding options from accredited and other mainstream lenders, including term loans, asset finance, invoice finance and other commercial funding solutions.
If your business needs finance for growth, investment, working capital or cash flow support, we can help you assess the available options and structure the most suitable route forward.
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What is the Growth Guarantee Scheme?
The Growth Guarantee Scheme is the successor to the Recovery Loan Scheme and is designed to support access to finance for UK smaller businesses as they look to invest and grow.
It supports a wide range of products through accredited lenders, including term loans, overdrafts, asset finance, invoice finance and asset-based lending.
How the Scheme Works
The scheme gives the lender a government-backed guarantee on an eligible facility, which can improve appetite to lend in situations where funding may otherwise be harder to secure or available only on different terms.
This does not remove the borrower’s responsibility. The business remains fully responsible for repaying the debt in line with the terms of the facility.
Is My Business Eligible?
Eligibility depends on the lender’s assessment and the scheme rules, but the core criteria generally include the following.
Generally open to smaller businesses with turnover up to £45 million, on a group basis where applicable.
The business must carry out trading activity in the UK and, for most businesses, generate more than 50% of income from trading activity.
The lender must consider that the business has a viable proposition.
The borrower must not be in relevant insolvency proceedings or otherwise fail the lender’s checks.
Certain businesses are excluded, including banks, insurers, public sector bodies and state-funded schools.
Previous subsidy support may affect the facility size available.
What Finance Products Can Be Supported?
Different accredited lenders support different products, so the most suitable route will depend on the lender, the transaction and the nature of your business requirement.
Often suitable for growth, investment or structured working capital.
Can provide shorter-term flexibility where cash flow timing is the main issue.
Useful for vehicles, plant, machinery, equipment and other capital expenditure.
Can unlock cash tied up in receivables and improve ongoing liquidity.
May support larger or more structured funding requirements.
Where GGS is not the best fit, other mainstream facilities may still be available.
What Can the Funds Be Used For?
Depending on the lender and facility type, funding can often be used for legitimate business purposes such as:
- Working capital support
- Growth and expansion
- Stock purchase
- Refinancing or restructuring in appropriate cases
- Asset acquisition
- Investment in operations, systems or premises
How the Process Works
The practical process is usually straightforward when the right information is available.
We review your requirement, business profile and funding objective.
We identify suitable lenders and products, including GGS-backed options where appropriate.
The lender will usually require management information, historic accounts and other supporting detail.
If approved, the facility is documented and funds are released in line with the lender’s process.
Why Use The Aftersales Network Limited
The Aftersales Network Limited is an independent credit broker, not a lender, with access to a wide range of lenders across the market.
We help businesses understand the funding requirement, assess suitable products and structure the most appropriate route to market. Where a GGS-backed facility is relevant, we can help position the case clearly and professionally.
If a standard commercial facility would be more suitable than a government-backed one, we can help assess that too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Growth Guarantee Scheme a grant?
No. It is a commercial finance scheme supported by a government guarantee to the lender. The borrower remains fully responsible for repayment.
Does the guarantee mean I will automatically be approved?
No. Facilities remain subject to lender discretion, eligibility checks, fraud checks and viability assessment.
Can I apply if I am not already a customer of a participating lender?
Yes, eligible businesses do not need to be existing customers of the lender they approach.
Can I still apply if I previously used earlier government schemes?
In some cases, yes, but previous subsidy support may affect what is available and should be reviewed as part of the application.
Do I need to use an accredited lender?
Yes, a GGS-backed facility must be provided through an accredited lender. Businesses should take care to deal only with accredited lenders or intermediaries arranging accredited facilities.
Speak to Us
If you would like to explore whether a Growth Guarantee Scheme-backed facility could support your business, contact The Aftersales Network Limited for a confidential discussion.
Important Information
The Aftersales Network Limited
Registered in England and Wales, Company Number 7729039
Registered Office
293 Green Lanes, London, N13 4XS
Operational Address
10 Deer Park Way, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 3YL
The Aftersales Network Limited is a credit broker and not a lender. We are independent and have access to a wide range of lenders across the market.
We may receive commission which will be disclosed before you proceed.
Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FRN 725655.
This page is intended for general information only and does not constitute legal, tax or financial advice.
