The Numbers at a Glance
What Has Actually Changed
The July 2026 announcement introduced several meaningful changes to the scheme that directly affect how many businesses can access it and on what terms.
Who Does This Help Most?
The changes make the Growth Guarantee Scheme more accessible and more affordable for a wider range of businesses. Here is who stands to benefit most from the July 2026 update.
Businesses Just Above the Old Turnover Limit
If your business was previously excluded because your annual turnover exceeded £45 million, you may now qualify under the new £54 million threshold.
Businesses That Need Longer Repayment Terms
The extension to ten year terms makes monthly repayments more manageable for businesses borrowing up to £1.1 million, opening the scheme to those who previously found shorter terms unaffordable.
Businesses Outside London and the South East
Historically a large proportion of GGS lending has reached businesses in the regions. The expanded capacity and community lender support reinforces this reach further.
Businesses Previously Told the Scheme Was Full
Capacity constraints meant some businesses were unable to access the scheme in early 2026. The £6.5bn uplift addresses this directly.
What Stays the Same
Alongside the changes, the core structure of the scheme remains consistent. The government still provides lenders with a 70% guarantee on eligible loans, meaning lenders take on less risk and are able to say yes to businesses they might otherwise decline.
The maximum loan amount remains at £2 million per business group. You are still fully responsible for repaying the loan. The guarantee is between the government and the lender, not a grant or subsidy to the borrower.
Eligibility still requires that your business is UK-based, trading, and unable to access standard commercial finance on reasonable terms. Excluded sectors such as financial services and public sector organisations also remain outside the scheme.
How to Access the Scheme Through Caply
You cannot apply to the Growth Guarantee Scheme directly through the British Business Bank. Applications must go through an accredited lender or broker. At Caply, we are set up to access the scheme on your behalf through our panel of accredited lenders.
Get in touch with Caply. Tell us about your business and what you are looking to borrow. We will confirm whether the Growth Guarantee Scheme is the right route and whether the July 2026 changes affect your eligibility.
Provide your documents. Bank statements, recent accounts if available, and basic business information. The process is straightforward and we guide you through exactly what is needed.
We match you to the right accredited lender. Different lenders within the scheme have different appetites for different sectors and profiles. We identify who is the best fit for your business and submit your application.
Receive your decision. Lenders aim to move quickly. Once approved, funds can typically be released within a few business days depending on the facility type and amount.
Why Now Is a Good Time to Apply
The combination of expanded capacity, longer repayment terms, and a confirmed extension to 2030 makes this one of the most favourable periods to apply since the scheme launched. The additional £6.5bn of capacity means the funding is there. The longer terms mean the monthly cost is more manageable. And the extended timeline removes any urgency-driven pressure to rush an application.
If your business needs finance and has previously struggled to access it through standard routes, the Growth Guarantee Scheme in its current expanded form is worth exploring seriously. If you are unsure whether it is the right product alongside other options such as a merchant cash advance, invoice finance, or a standard business loan, speak to Caply and we will give you a straight answer.