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Short-Term Business Loans: Fast Capital for Immediate Needs

Unlock quick financing to manage urgent expenses, seasonal cash flow gaps, or short-term opportunities. Short-term business loans offer rapid approval, flexible terms, and fast access to funds, ideal for keeping operations smooth and seizing time-sensitive growth. Explore the benefits, eligibility criteria, and how to apply for the right short-term loan for your business.

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What is a short-term business loan?

A short-term business loan is a type of financing designed to help businesses cover immediate needs such as cash flow gaps, unexpected expenses, or short-term growth opportunities. These loans typically have faster approval times, shorter repayment periods, usually under 12 months and are ideal for businesses that need quick access to capital without committing to long-term debt.

Who is a short-term business loan for?

A short-term business loan is ideal for companies that need fast access to capital to manage immediate financial needs or take advantage of time-sensitive opportunities. It’s especially useful for businesses with seasonal fluctuations, urgent expenses, or short-term projects that require quick funding without long-term commitment.
Examples of Businesses That Benefit from Short-Term Loans:

Retailers Managing Seasonal Demand

Shops preparing for peak seasons like holidays or sales events can use short-term loans to stock inventory quickly without disrupting cash flow.

Service Providers Covering Urgent Expenses

Businesses such as repair services or salons facing unexpected equipment breakdowns can access fast funding to stay operational.

Startups Bridging Revenue Gaps

Early-stage companies waiting on customer payments or investment rounds can use short-term loans to maintain momentum and meet payroll.

Construction Firms Handling Project Costs

Builders and contractors can cover upfront material and labour expenses while awaiting client payments or milestone releases.

What are the benefits of a short-term business loan?

Short-term business loans offer fast, flexible funding to help businesses manage immediate financial needs. Whether it’s covering unexpected costs, bridging cash flow gaps, or seizing quick growth opportunities, these loans provide rapid access to capital without long-term commitment. They’re ideal for businesses that need agility and speed to stay competitive.

Quick Approval and Funding

Access funds in days, not weeks, to act fast when it matters.

Flexible Repayment Terms

Choose repayment schedules that suit your cash flow cycle.

No Long-Term Debt

Avoid tying up your business with multi-year financial obligations.

Supports Seasonal Needs

Ideal for businesses with fluctuating income or peak periods.

Improves Cash Flow Management

Cover gaps between expenses and incoming revenue.

Opportunity-Driven Financing

Take advantage of limited-time deals or urgent growth chances.

Not sure if a short-term loan is right for your business?

Reach out to our expert Broker Team to talk through your options one-to-one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to apply for business finance with Connect Capital

Tell us about your business – Share a few details and our team matches you with the right lenders.

We compare options – Your application is shared with our panel of lenders, and we’ll present you with tailored loan options that best suit your business.

We handle the rest – Pick your loan and we’ll manage the paperwork. Your account manager keeps things moving and keeps you updated.

Why use a business finance broker?

Comparing business loans from multiple lenders can take days and too many applications might hurt your credit score.

Connect Capital takes care of it all. We match you with trusted lenders, check your eligibility without affecting your credit file, and guide you to the right finance quickly and safely.

Less hassle, less risk, more time for your business.

What business loan rates do you offer?

The interest rates available to your business depend on several key factors, including your credit score, the loan amount, the type of business loan you choose, and the lender’s criteria. To find the most competitive rates from our panel of trusted lenders, speak with a member of our team, we’re here to guide you through the options and help you secure the best possible deal.

How long does the process take?

The speed of your loan approval largely depends on how promptly you provide the necessary supporting documents. All lenders require financial evidence before making a lending decision. Once we receive the required information, we can offer initial quotes and begin discussing your budget. Please note that all loans are subject to credit status and affordability checks. While we aim to release funds within 24 to 36 hours, the exact timing may vary depending on the lender, the loan amount, and the type of loan you choose.

What information do I need to apply for business finance?

Getting started is simple, we only need some basic details to begin your business finance comparison. As your application progresses, we’ll request additional information, such as the purpose of the loan and how it will support your business. To assess affordability, we may also ask for recent bank statements.

Throughout the process, a dedicated account manager will be on hand to guide you every step of the way. Whether you're new to business finance or just exploring options, you can expect a smooth, transparent experience with no surprises.

Why do you need to do a credit check on business directors?

Lenders typically conduct credit checks on business directors to assess the financial credibility of those applying for funding. In many cases, we can request a soft credit check, which won’t impact your credit score, just let us know your preference when applying.

If you decide to proceed with a loan application, the lender will carry out a hard credit check before making a final decision. It’s important to note that multiple hard checks in a short period can negatively affect your credit score. That’s why selecting the right loan and lender for your specific needs and financial situation is essential.

Does comparing business finance affect my credit score?

When you begin a business finance comparison with Connect Capital, we’ll carry out a soft credit check to assess your eligibility. This won’t impact your credit score and is simply used to help determine whether it’s worth proceeding with an application.

Please note that a soft check does not guarantee approval. If you choose to move forward with a full application, your chosen lender will perform a hard credit check. This will be recorded on your credit file and may affect your credit score, especially if multiple hard checks occur within a short period.

Can you help me get business finance for bad credit?

Yes, we can help. We understand that not every business owner has a flawless credit history, life happens, and circumstances can change. If you're concerned about bad credit, let our team know. We'll work with you to compare lenders and loan options that are tailored to your financial situation, helping you find a solution that fits your needs.

Can I repay my business loan early?

Yes, early repayment is often possible, but the terms can vary depending on the loan type and lender. Some loans follow a fixed monthly repayment schedule, while others offer more flexibility. If you're considering early repayment, you'll need to request a settlement figure, this includes the remaining balance plus any applicable interest.

Some lenders may also charge an early settlement fee. If you're unsure or concerned about early repayment terms, speak with your lending manager. They’ll guide you through your options and help you understand any potential costs involved.

How do I know what type of loan is best for me?

Choosing the right loan depends on your business goals, financial situation, and how you plan to use the funds. Our experienced lending managers are here to help by discussing your requirements, they’ll guide you toward the most suitable loan options from our panel of trusted lenders.

Am I committed to using you if I ask you for a quote?

Not at all. Our business finance quotes come with no obligation, so you're free to explore your options without committing to us. If you decide not to proceed after receiving a quote, we simply ask that you let us know, this allows us to focus our efforts on helping other businesses find the funding they need.