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Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme

Supporting your business during coronavirus

The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) closed for new applications on 31 March 2021. If you started your application before then, we’ll be in touch shortly – there’s no need to call us.

Key features and benefits

The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) closed for new applications on 31 March 2021. If you started your application before then, we’ll be in touch shortly – there’s no need to call us.

Further information can also be found on the British Business Bank and Bank of England websites.

Loans up to £5 million

You can currently apply for a loan of between £50,001 and £5 million from us.

For loans up to £50,000, please take a look at the Bounce Back Loan scheme.

Flexible terms available

Spread repayments of your loan from 1 to 6 years

We’re awaiting further information from the British Business Bank on the possibility of extending the term of CBILS loans – we’ll update this page as soon as we know more.

Interest free period

In order to support client cash flow issues, the arrangement fees and the first 12 months interest will be paid by the UK government as a “Business Interruption Payment”

Scheme eligibility

The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) closed for new applications on 31 March 2021.

The CBILS was available to businesses affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) who

  • Are UK-based and operate in the UK
  • Have a borrowing proposal that, if not for coronavirus, would be considered viable
  • Require a loan to enable trading during short-to-medium term difficulty
  • Have a group turnover of up to £45 million
  • Can afford to repay the loan for a term up to six years

Additional details

  • The scheme provides the lender with a government-backed 80% guarantee, subject to the annual claim limit
  • Smaller businesses from any sector1 can apply for loans for the full amount
  • Security may be required, subject to application
  • We won't take personal guarantees as security for any CBILS loans 
  • The borrower’s primary residential property can't be taken as security under the scheme
  • There are flexible repayment structures and the option to take capital repayment holidays, so that payments can be matched to income (subject to prior approval)

Important information

The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) closed for new applications on 31 March 2021. If you started your application before then, we’ll be in touch shortly – there’s no need to call us.

You’re responsible for repaying 100% of the loan. Where default occurs, we follow our standard commercial recovery procedures (including the realisation of security) before we make a claim against the government's guarantee for any shortfall. Loans are available to most business sectors, but restrictions apply

CBILS is managed by the British Business Bank on behalf of, and with the financial backing of, the Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy. British Business Bank plc is a development bank wholly owned by HM Government. It is not authorised or regulated by the PRA or the FCA. Visit british-business-bank.co.uk

The CBILS isn’t available to businesses borrowing £50,001 or more if the business was an ‘undertaking in difficulty’ as of 31 December 2019. ’Undertaking in difficulty’ is defined in Article 2 (18) of the Commission Regulation (EU) no. 651/2014 of 17 June 2014. When you apply, we’ll ask you to confirm that your business wasn’t an undertaking in difficulty as of 31 December 2019.

The rules that decide whether you are an 'undertaking in difficulty' have now changed for smaller businesses – please see our FAQs below for further detail.

Want to find out more?

COVID-19 Support for Businesses

Additional information about this and other products can also be found on the UK Government website.

Frequently asked questions (updated 30 June 2021)

Alternative borrowing options

Loans

Business loans

Looking for a startup loan or a small loan for business?

We could help you to expand, invest in equipment or borrow working capital with secured and unsecured business loans. 

Business overdrafts

Business overdrafts

A flexible overdraft that moves with your business demands

An overdraft could help you deal with seasonal trends and short-term cashflow challenges. Borrow up to £50,000 unsecured – the money could be available to you in days.

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Invoice finance

A fast way to free up funding for your business needs

Release cash tied up in your outstanding invoices. Whether it’s for this month, the next, or beyond, an invoice finance facility helps bring your cashflow forward. We’ve partnered with Kriya, industry experts and provider of invoice finance, to help you grow your business.