For BusinessFor BrokersFor LendersFor Partners

What to Do if Your Business Loan Application is Rejected

It’s never easy to hear that your business loan application has been rejected. It can feel disheartening, especially if you’ve invested time and effort into the process. However, a rejection isn’t the end of the road. In fact, it can be a valuable learning opportunity that helps you improve your chances of success next time.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through what to do after your business loan application is rejected and how to move forward with confidence.

Apply now

Reasons for Loan Rejection

Before jumping into what you should do next, it’s important to understand why your application might have been rejected.

Common reasons include

Poor credit score (personal or business)

Lack of a solid business plan

Inconsistent cash flow or low profitability

Unclear use of funds

Already too much existing debt

What You Can Do Next

Understand Why You Were Rejected

Contact the lender and ask for feedback. Understanding the exact reasons for rejection will give you valuable insight into what needs to be improved before reapplying.

Improve Your Credit Score

If a poor credit score was the reason for rejection, take steps to improve it. Pay off outstanding debts, keep credit card balances low, and ensure that you’re making timely payments. Both business and personal credit scores can affect loan approvals.

Review and Strengthen Your Business Plan

A strong business plan is critical when applying for finance. If your business plan wasn’t detailed enough, take the time to enhance it by including more information on your business model, financial projections, and how the loan will be used to generate a return on investment.

Address Cash Flow Issues

If cash flow was a concern, take steps to improve it by streamlining invoicing, cutting unnecessary expenses, and using financing products like invoice finance to unlock cash tied up in unpaid invoices.

Consider Alternative Financing Options

If your application was rejected by a traditional lender, don’t give up! There are many alternative financing options available, including peer-to-peer lending, merchant cash advances, and invoice factoring. These options are often more flexible and easier to access.

Apply now for funding or contact our team to find out more.

Jamie Davies
Managing Director

As a founder of multiple businesses, Jamie believes that mindset, discipline and ambition are key drivers for success, both for his businesses and for his clients. 

Share this article

Contact our team today
Get started
Disclaimer: Spark Finance Ltd (Registered office - 18 John Stow House, London, England, EC3A 7JB, Registered Number 10128297) helps UK firms access business finance. Spark is a credit broker, not a lender. Any quotes provided are for information purposes only and subject to status and separate lender terms and conditions. Applicants must be aged 18 and over.  Guarantees and Indemnities may be required.  Spark Finance may receive commission from lenders  which may vary depending on the lender, product, or other permissible factors. The nature of any commission model will be confirmed to you before you proceed.

Spark Finance Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK (FRN 958123).