Enable Finance

A business bridging loan—sometimes simply called a bridge loan—is a short‑term financing solution that businesses tap into when they need cash fast while waiting for longer‑term funding to arrive. According to Enable Finance, these loans can be arranged with remarkable speed—funds in place within 24 hours for unsecured options or 2 to 5 days for typical setups—whereas traditional business loans might take 6–12 weeks to process British Business Bank+3Enable Finance+3Enable Finance+3Enable Finance.

Companies often use bridging loans to stay agile and competitive. Whether it’s snapping up a commercial property at auction, seizing a bulk discount on stock, or covering urgent working‑capital needs like payroll or supplier payments, this type of financing acts like a financial safety net—enabling businesses to act while awaiting permanent capital Enable FinanceBritish Business Bank.

What makes these loans uniquely accessible is their flexible approach: unlike bank loans that rely heavily on profitability and trading history, many bridging lenders focus on the value of your collateral and your exit strategy—how and when you’ll repay. That could be through proceeds from property sales, the arrival of anticipated funding, or refinancing Enable Finance+1.

That said, bridging loans come with a cost. They typically carry higher interest rates, plus various fees such as arrangement, legal, valuation, and exit fees British Business BankU.S. Chamber of Commerce. Lenders may offer up to 70%–80% loan‑to‑value (LTV) depending on the asset and perceived risk, which influences both pricing and eligibility bankrate.com+6British Business Bank+6propertytribes.com+6.

There are two primary types of bridging loans: closed bridging loans, which include a fixed repayment date, and open bridging loans, which don’t—but are considered riskier and often command higher costs British Business Bank+2en.wikipedia.org+2. Typical terms can range anywhere from just a few weeks up to 12 months, though some lenders—like Enable Finance—offer terms extending to 36 months Enable Finance.

Using a bridging loan wisely comes down to having a clear exit strategy. Without a credible repayment plan, you risk default and potentially losing your secured asset British Business BankThe Times. As one broker told The Times, for example: "Your exit strategy will be key... if the sale is delayed, you could face pressure to repay or incur penalties" The Times.

Alternatives worth considering include conventional business loans, lines of credit, invoice financing, or equity crowdfunding—especially if speed and structure don’t align with your needs British Business Bank.

In short, a business bridging loan is like a financial fast-track: powerful, flexible, and immediate—but also costlier. When deployed with care, backed by a solid repayment plan, it can help your business seize opportunities and maintain momentum—not just survive, but move ahead confidently.