iwoca launches revenue-based loans to support post-pandemic SME recovery

By Joy Dumasia

iwoca, one of Europe’s largest small business lenders, has announced the expansion of its merchant cash advance product to all small businesses accepting card payments in the UK. The merchant cash advance will enable small businesses to repay their loan based on their sales and stay in control by choosing what percentage of their revenue to pay.

This product expansion comes following a successful integration with FundingXchange, launched in September, which offered revenue-based finance loans between £1,000 – £50,000 to online sellers on eBay.

The decision to expand comes as most small business owners (87%) using loan products suggest that a revenue-based loan, such as iwoca’s merchant cash advance, would be better or the same as using a term loan. The ability to change payments depending on business performance is a crucial benefit, with over half (55%) of SME owners surveyed by iwoca saying that a finance provider’s flexibility in traditional overdraft facilities presents a challenge.

The merchant cash advance is a flexible loan that enables businesses who experience volatile swings in demand to stay in control of their finances and will be particularly beneficial for those businesses operating in retail, hospitality and e-commerce. The merchant cash advance also offers flexibility to businesses affected by continued economic uncertainty, with supply chain and staffing issues making it difficult to plan. In addition, the revenue-based loan can drive growth for scale-ups whose revenue growth may come months after the finance is secured – an effective alternative to venture capital or private equity funding.

Colin Goldstein, Commercial Growth Director at iwoca, said: “At iwoca, we’re transforming small business lending through brand new innovations powered by Open Banking technology. With our merchant cash advance product, SMEs across the country can now repay their loans in line with the seasonal flow of their businesses. As small businesses recover from the pandemic, iwoca will give them the flexibility they need to scale their business.”