The SFLGS:

• Does not provide loans - it only guarantees loans from approved lenders. It cannot be used if a business is able to obtain a normal commercial loan

• Provides guarantees to approved lenders for loans of between £5,000 and £100,000 for start-up and young businesses (businesses that have been trading for less than two years at the time of application)

• Provides guarantees to approved lenders for loans of between £5,000 and £250,000 for older businesses trading continuously for two years or more at the time of application

• Leaves the commercial decision about lending to the lender.