Business Loans For Takeaways

Why you might need a loan for your takeaway business

If you’re running a takeaway business, one of the biggest challenges you face is likely to be cash flow management – especially if your income fluctuates from week to week or season to season.

Fixed costs such as tax instalments, rent or mortgage payments and insurance will have to be paid on a regular schedule, and a business loan could help you to keep your working capital at a healthy level even during slower periods, so you can cover all your expenses as they fall due.

A business loan could also give you access to the cash you need to bring in extra kitchen, serving and delivery staff and buy more stores and ingredients so you’re ready for your busy periods.

It could also enable you to keep your takeaway open longer hours, or give you the funds to buy non-perishable supplies in bulk and boost your negotiating power with suppliers.

If you’re considering upgrading or expanding your takeaway business, you may need a business loan to finance the purchase of new kitchen equipment or extra delivery vehicles, hire a new chef to extend your menu, or even fund the acquisition and fitting-out of a new takeaway store in another location.

What are the requirements for getting a business loan?

Getting a business loan can be easier than you think.

While you can still expect to be knocked back by the big banks unless you have a solid trading history, a top-rate credit rating and collateral to offer, there are plenty of alternative lenders out there willing to offer business loans to takeaway businesses.

Each lender will have their own criteria when it comes to things like credit rating, how long you’ve been in business, and how high your turnover is. If you’re higher risk (e.g. if your credit score is low) you may still be able to get a business loan, although you can expect to pay a higher rate of interest to compensate for that risk.

The most important factor ALL lenders will look at is your capacity.

Lenders need to know that you will have enough cash – after all your expenses – to cover your loan repayments.

How to apply for a business loan

If you are applying to an alternative lender for a business loan, the process is usually quick and easy:

What options are available to takeaway businesses?

There are several types of small business loans you could consider, to support or grow your takeaway business.

Unsecured small business loan

A short-term option, unsecured business loans are usually for between 3 months and 2 years.

You can use the funds for any purpose. Many lenders will let you set a repayment schedule to suit your trading patterns.

Equipment loan

A specific-purpose business loan secured on the equipment you are buying, such as a new commercial mixer.

The term will often be tied to the lifespan of the equipment. You will not be able to sell or upgrade the equipment until you have repaid the equipment finance.

Vehicle loan

There are several types of business car finance you can use to buy your work vehicles, including car loans, hire purchasing and leasing.

While your work vehicles are under finance you will not be able to sell or upgrade them.

Business line of credit

A business line of credit is similar to an overdraft facility, giving you access to cash up to an agreed limit, often with the right to draw, repay and redraw funds as you need them.

You only pay interest on what you borrow, but there are often set up and admin fees.

Business credit card

Business credit cards are great for covering day-to-day expenses and making purchases, but unless you clear the balance each month the cost can be extremely high.

Before entering in to any business loan agreement, be sure to seek professional advice. It’s also important to ensure you understand all of the costs (including all fees). You can get a head start by using our business loan calculator.