The Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) is a UK government initiative designed to provide financial support to small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The BBLS offers loans of up to £50,000 to small businesses, with the government covering the first 12 months of interest and fees. The loans are intended to help small businesses bridge the gap until they can resume normal operations or until other financial support becomes available.
Eligibility for the BBLS is based on the size of the business and its trading history. To be eligible, a business must have been established prior to 1 March 2020, must have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and must meet the following criteria:
- Have a turnover of no more than £45 million per year
- Be based in the UK
- Be a business, charity, or not-for-profit organization
- Have been trading when the pandemic began (with the exception of businesses that were in the process of setting up when the pandemic began)
To apply for a BBLS loan, businesses must complete an online application through one of the accredited lenders participating in the scheme. The application process is relatively straightforward, and the lender will typically make a decision on the loan within a few days.
One of the benefits of the BBLS is that it is a relatively quick and easy way for small businesses to access the funding they need. The loans are unsecured, which means that businesses do not have to provide collateral in order to qualify. The loans are also flexible, with no fixed repayment terms or early repayment charges.
However, it is important to note that the BBLS loans are not free money – they must be repaid. Businesses that take out BBLS loans will need to make regular payments to their lender in order to repay the loan in full. It is therefore important for businesses to carefully consider whether they will be able to afford the loan before applying.
Overall, the BBLS is a valuable resource for small businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. By providing access to quick and easy financing, the BBLS can help businesses get the support they need to weather the storm and emerge stronger on the other side.
Can’t afford to repay Bounce Back Loan
If you are a sole trader or the owner of a limited company and you are struggling to pay the Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) that you have taken out, it can be a stressful and overwhelming situation. However, there are steps you can take to manage your debt and improve your financial situation.
- Understand your debt: The first step in dealing with any debt is to understand the full extent of it. Make a list of all your debts, including the creditor, the current balance, and the minimum monthly payment for each debt. This will help you see the full picture of your debt and prioritize which debts to pay off first.
- Create a budget: Determine how much money you have coming in each month and how much you are spending. Look for areas where you can cut back on your expenses so that you can redirect that money towards paying off your debt. Consider creating a budget using a spreadsheet or budgeting app, which can help you track your income and expenses and see where you can make changes.
- Prioritize your debts: It is generally a good idea to pay off high-interest debts first, such as credit card debt. This will save you money in the long run because you will be paying less in interest charges. You should also consider any debts that have late fees or are in danger of being sent to collections.
- Make more than the minimum payment: Paying the minimum payment on your debts will only prolong the repayment process. Try to pay as much as you can each month, even if it is just a little extra. Every bit helps.
- Negotiate with your creditors: If you are struggling to make your minimum payments, try reaching out to your creditors and see if they are willing to work with you. They may be able to lower your interest rate or set up a payment plan that is more manageable for you. It is always better to communicate with your creditors and try to find a solution rather than ignoring your debts and hoping they will go away.
- Consider debt consolidation: If you have multiple debts with high interest rates, you may want to consider consolidating them into a single loan with a lower interest rate. This can make your debt more manageable and help you pay it off more quickly. Debt consolidation involves taking out a new loan to pay off your existing debts, and then repaying that loan with a single monthly payment. This can be a good option if you have a good credit score and can qualify for a low-interest rate on the new loan.
- Seek professional help: If your debts are overwhelming and you are not sure how to tackle them on your own, you may want to consider seeking the help of an Acme Credit Consultant. They can provide personalized advice and support to help you pay off your debts. They may be able to negotiate with your creditors on your behalf or help you come up with a plan to manage your debts more effectively.
- Explore government support programs: There may be government programs available that can help you with your debts. For example, in the UK the government has introduced the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) to provide financial support to self-employed individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This program provides grants to eligible self-employed individuals to help them with their living expenses and business costs.
By following these steps and being disciplined about your spending and repayment, you can work towards resolving your financial difficulties and paying off your BBLS. It may be a challenging process, but with determination and a solid plan, you can succeed in getting your debts under control and improving your financial situation.