About us

We help small businesses and social enterprises across the North West access the funding they need to start, grow and create jobs. Because when local businesses succeed, communities thrive, creating opportunities for people, families and the places they call home.

Backing ambition that drives change

For over 20 years, our group of not-for-profit CDFIs has helped businesses across the North access the finance they couldn’t find elsewhere.

Not because their ideas weren’t strong. But because traditional lenders said no to founders without assets, long trading histories or the “right” postcode.

We’re here to change that.

Finance should open doors

We believe talent exists everywhere. But opportunity doesn’t.

That’s why we put financial inclusion at the heart of everything we do offering fair, flexible finance to the people mainstream lenders often overlook.

Because when small businesses grow, they do more than turn a profit. They create jobs. Strengthen supply chains. And spark momentum that benefits everyone.

The BEF Group impact in the last 12 years

£ 108m

Invested in small businesses.

£ 39.2m

Added to the region’s economy.

599

New UK businesses created.

13,140

Jobs created or safeguarded.

It’s about people, not just pounds

Your postcode or credit history shouldn’t hold you back. We’re here to back ambition, not just balance sheets.

"I’ve met so many brilliant people with solid business ideas who’ve been turned away simply because they didn’t tick the right boxes. That’s why we started Business Finance North West, to back real people with real potential. Everyone deserves a fair chance to grow their business."

Simon Truby, Senior Investment Manager

"The North West is full of ambitious entrepreneurs driving innovation, jobs and growth. But too often, a lack of access to finance slows them down. Our mission is to remove those barriers and invest in businesses that strengthen the local economy."