Recovery Loan Scheme (now Growth Guarantee Scheme)

The Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS) is a government-backed loan scheme designed to support access to finance for UK businesses as they look to invest and grow.

Key facts

Funding amount: Up to £2 million (or £1 million for Northern Ireland Protocol borrowers)
Deadline: Rolling – no fixed deadline
Region: UK-wide
Business type: Small businesses & SMEs

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Plain English summary

The Recovery Loan Scheme was a government-backed loan scheme aimed at helping UK businesses access finance for investment and growth. It has now been extended and rebranded as the Growth Guarantee Scheme. Businesses can use the finance for a variety of purposes, including managing cashflow, investment, and growth.

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Who this is best for

Small businesses & SMEs
Organisations based in UK-wide
Projects aligned with business grants
Teams seeking funding around Up to £2 million (or £1 million for Northern Ireland Protocol borrowers)

Who should not apply

Individuals applying in a personal capacity (unless explicitly permitted)
Large enterprises above SME thresholds
Applicants who cannot meet the official eligibility criteria below

Eligibility checklist

Tick what applies to your organisation before applying.

Open to businesses with a turnover of up to £45m, trading in the UK, with a viable business proposition and not in difficulty.
Borrowers must confirm receipt of the RLS facility will not exceed their maximum allowed subsidy.
Minimum facility sizes vary, starting at £1,000 for asset and invoice finance, and £25,001 for term loans and overdrafts.

Official source

Funding body

British Business Bank

Last verified

2 Jun 2026

View source page Application page

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