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Smaller loans from £25,000 - £100,000
Whether you are an entrepreneur wishing to start your own business, or an early stage or more established small business looking to grow you may find it difficult obtaining the finance you need.
Smaller loans can be used to fill the funding gap for growth and development projects.
How to apply
- Go to the fund manager’s website by clicking the box below.
- Make an enquiry directly to the fund manager.
- The fund manager will contact you to talk through your funding requirement.
- The fund manager may ask for more information and a formal application or pitch deck.
- The fund manager will evaluate your application and make the investment decision.
Have a question? Read our Frequently Asked Questions.
Funds Available
Smaller Loans, £25,000 - £100,000 (North West - Liverpool City Region, Lancashire, Cumbria)
River Capital Website Smaller Loans, £25,000 - £100,000 (North West - Cheshire and Warrington, Greater Manchester)
GC Business Finance Website Smaller Loans, £25,000 - £100,000 (North East)
NEL Website Smaller Loans, £25,000 - £100,000 (Yorkshire & the Humber)
BEF WebsiteLatest News from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II
Press release
Blog post
Press release
Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II in the news
Sustainable flooring company lands £80k NPIF II boost
04 March 2026
Uplyfted Services Ltd has secured £80k from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II. The company collects used carpet tiles from office refurbishments, professionally cleans them, and redistributes them for installation in social housing. The funding will support Uplyfted’s expansion into the commercial office and school markets:
Learn more Sustainable flooring company lands £80k NPIF II boostPXN Ventures launches PraeSeed programme for startups
27 February 2026
PXN Ventures has reopened applications for its PraeSeed investment programme, recruiting a third cohort and targeting founders across the North of England with a six-week package of funding and support. The programme, which aims to help pre-seed startups become investor-ready, will culminate in an Investor Showcase in September, offering direct exposure to the region’s investment community. Up to eight of these will receive £200,000 each from NPIF II Equity Finance, which is managed by PXN Ventures.
Learn more PXN Ventures launches PraeSeed programme for startupsUK tech firm pioneering ‘Moneyball’ approach raises £2.4m
18 February 2026
Liverpool-based eCommerce solution provider Made With Intent is looking to expand globally after raising £2.4m in an investment round led by the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II. The company has developed an AI-powered model that, when added to eCommerce websites, provides real-time customer insights by analysing over 800 onsite signals.
Learn more UK tech firm pioneering ‘Moneyball’ approach raises £2.4mNorthern Powerhouse Investment Fund II Case Studies
Freeklime
Yorkshire indoor climbing operator, Freeklime, secured a £150,000 loan from NPIF II – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia Debt and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II), to expand its business with the launch of a third venue.
Troo
Business energy consultants Troo, based in Sunderland, secured a seven-figure investment from NPIF II – NEL Debt Finance, which is managed by NEL Fund Managers as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II). The funding will enable the next phase of growth through cutting-edge technology and talent development.
Sanco
Sanco, a Newcastle-based Neapolitan pizza dining experience, has secured a five-figure investment from NPIF II – NEL Smaller Loans, which is managed by NEL Fund Managers as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II).
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