Bounce Back Loans Scheme (BBLS)
The government launched this scheme specifically for small and medium-sized businesses, and allows them to borrow between £2,000 and £50,000 (up to 25% of their turnover). The government guarantees 100% of the loan and there are no fees or interest to pay for the first 12 months. After 12 months the interest rate is 2.5%.
In September 2020 the Chancellor introduced an initiative called 'Pay as You Grow' to the BBLS. This allows a longer period for repayment (10 years), which will cut monthly repayments in half. Businesses struggling to repay the loan also have the option to make interest-only payments or suspend payments altogether for 6 months.
Applications for this scheme have been extended to 31st March 2021
The bounce back loan can be applied for via a bank. Click here for a list of banks participating in the scheme.
Note: Bounce back loans are distinct from the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme. Please see comparison table below
| Bounce Back Loan Scheme | Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme | |
| Amount you can borrow | £2,000 to £50,000 | £50,001 - £500,000 |
| Loan term length | 6 years (option to extend to 10 years) | 2 - 10 years (according to agreement) |
| Terms in first 12 months | £0 repayment and 0% interest | £0 repayment and 0% interest |
| Interest rate | 2.5% fixed | Set by the lender, typically 1.8% - 7.4% APR |