Business funding with six months trading: what is realistic
Six to twelve months is the hardest window in business funding. You are past the start-up schemes and short of the twelve-month mark most lenders set as their floor.
This guide sets out what is actually open to you in that window, what underwriters look at when there are no filed accounts yet, and how to present the case well.
Why twelve months is the common threshold
A lender wants to see a business through a full trading cycle: a quiet quarter as well as a strong one, a VAT quarter, a January. At six months there is simply less evidence, and usually no filed accounts.
Our own minimum is six months, which is lower than most. That is a deliberate position, not a loophole — but it does mean the bank statements carry almost all of the weight.
What is assessed when there are no accounts
- Bank statements. Usually the most recent six months. This is the primary evidence, not a supporting document.
- Turnover consistency. £12,000 every month reads far better than one £40,000 month and five thin ones.
- Returned payments. Bounced direct debits are the clearest negative signal there is at this stage.
- Overdraft use. Living at the limit every month suggests the business cannot absorb a new weekly commitment.
- Director history. Previous companies and their filing record are visible at Companies House and are looked at.
What is realistic in the six-to-twelve month window
Expect an advance at the lower end of the range. Our minimum is £10,000 and our minimum turnover is £25,000 a month; a business at seven months and £15,000 monthly turnover is realistically looking at the lower end rather than the top of the range.
| 20 weeks (1.48) | 26 weeks (1.55) | |
|---|---|---|
| Advance | £10,000 | £10,000 |
| You receive (after 5% fee) | £9,500 | £9,500 |
| Total repayable | £14,800 | £15,500 |
| Weekly payment | £740 | £596 |
| Total cost | £5,300 | £6,000 |
That is the shape of the commitment at the entry point. If the weekly figure does not clear comfortably in a quiet week, waiting a few months is the better decision.
How to improve your chances
- Fix returned direct debits before applying, not after.
- Keep trading income flowing through the business account rather than a personal one.
- Have six months of statements ready as PDFs — this is the single biggest cause of delay.
- Be specific about what the money is for. “Stock for a confirmed order” is a stronger case than “cash flow”.
If you are below six months, nothing here will change that answer. Come back when the sixth statement lands.
Questions, answered plainly
Can I get business funding with only six months trading?
Yes, but the options are narrower. Solvo's minimum is six months trading alongside £25,000 monthly turnover and UK limited company or LLP status. Many lenders set their floor at twelve months.
What do you look at if my company has no filed accounts?
Bank statements, primarily — usually the most recent six months. Turnover consistency, returned payments, overdraft use and the director's filing history all carry weight when accounts are not yet available.
How much could a company trading seven months borrow?
Realistically the lower end of our £10,000–£75,000 range. Advances commonly land between one and two months of turnover, and limited trading history pulls toward the lower end of that.
I have been trading four months. Is there anything available?
Not from us — six months is a firm minimum. It is worth returning once you have a sixth month of bank statements.
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