GC Business Finance, a not-for-profit lender specialising loans to help businesses, has become a patron of the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB).

GC Business Finance offers a number of products, including acting as Business Support Partner for both the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme and the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II.

Having provided £64.6m worth of Start Up Loans to 5,248 businesses through direct loans as a Business Support Partner (BSP), GC Business Finance was awarded national BSP status by the British Business Bank in 2023.

This expanded the geographical reach of GC Business Finance, allowing it to support more businesses nationwide.

Through patronage of the NACFB, the Association’s member brokers will now be able to connect with GC Business Finance’s solutions designed to provide businesses with tailored funding, mentoring and business support.

Directors and partners of a business can apply for a personal loan for business use of up to £25,000 through the Start Up Loans programme.

They will also receive dedicated application support, boosting confidence and providing a higher chance of successfully receiving funding.

Patronage will also prove beneficial to financial intermediaries, who have the chance to access an additional revenue stream, whilst enhancing their client relationships. 

Gary Pennington, head of commercial at GC Business Finance, said: “After becoming a National Business Support Partner for the Start Up Loans programme last year, partnering with the NACFB will enable us to provide support to even more businesses. 

“Through our patronage, NACFB brokers can access an additional income stream and enhance client relationships at the same time.

“After already receiving encouraging interest, we look forward to building a strong network up and down the UK. 

“We hope this partnership will encourage more businesses, especially those with underrepresented founders or in hard-to-reach places, to apply for Start Up Funding.

“With wraparound business support and a trusted adviser to guide entrepreneurs through the application process, I’d like people to know they will be wholly supported and encouraged to achieve their dreams.”

Norman Chambers, managing director at the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers, said: “Intermediaries understand that a new business is just beginning its funding journey.

“Last year alone, our members facilitated £38bn of finance to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) grow.

“Welcoming GC Business Finance as a lender patron will help our brokers extend their networks further afield by reaching out to start-ups, confident in the knowledge that they can offer the support of GCBF’s solutions.”