BCRS Business Loans works in conjunction with Staffordshire County Council and Stoke-on-Trent City Council to deliver the Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Business Loan Fund.

We understand that you want to know everything there is to know about the fund before you apply, so Lauren McGowan has handily compiled all of the questions we frequently get asked below.

What is the Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Business Loan Fund?

This two million pound business loan fund is designed to support businesses in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent that are facing difficulties accessing traditional forms of finance as they aim to overcome the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and grow.

How much can I borrow?

Business loans from £10,000 – £50,000 are available from the Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Business Loan Fund.

Does my business have to be based in Staffordshire or Stoke-on-Trent to benefit from the fund?

Yes, your businesses must be based in the county of Staffordshire or the city of Stoke-on-Trent.

If your business is based in another part of the West Midlands region and you wish to access funding, please visit www.bcrs.org.uk, as we have other funding streams available.

Do I need security/what security is required?

Loans via the Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Business Loan Fund are unsecured; however a Personal Guarantee will be taken in all cases

What types of business can be supported?

We lend to businesses operating in most market sectors, which could include:

• construction,
• digital and creative tech
• engineering,
• IT services,
• logistics
• manufacturing,
• service providers
• and many more.

How long will the process take?

On average, our loan process takes around two weeks. However, this is dependent on how quickly we receive all of the supporting information we require and the complexity of your loan application.  Every case is assessed upon its own merits, so please discuss with your Lending Manager.

What can a loan from the Staffordshire & Stoke-on -Trent Business Loan Fund be used for?

You can use a loan to support a variety of different purposes, including:

• Growth capital
• Recruitment
• Marketing
• Equipment
• Diversification

Am I eligible to apply for the Staffordshire & Stoke-on -Trent Business Loan Fund?

The eligibility criteria for the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Business Loan Fund is as follows:

You must…

• Be looking to borrow between £10,000 and £50,000
• The business must be based within Staffordshire or Stoke-on-Trent
• Have an annual business turnover less than £45 million
• Complete a full application form
• Provide evidence to demonstrate that the business can afford the loan requested, such as: –
  • the last 3 years accounts*
  • up-to-date management accounts
  • a 12-month cashflow forecast.
• The loan facility will be primarily used to support trading in the UK
• Business directors must have clean personal credit histories (i.e., no CCJs/ IVAs/ bankruptcies)

Come to us to get the backing you deserve if you’ve been turned down by traditional lenders.  Take a minute to express an interest and request a call back to help us to help you achieve your potential. –  https://bcrs.org.uk/apply-now/