Business loans for ecommerce - funding options for online retailers

Wednesday 27th August 2025

Last updated: 27th October 2025

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  • Cash flow challenge: I run an online retail business and need extra funding to cover stock, marketing, and fulfillment costs, but I’m not sure which loan is right for me.

  • Perfect for: Ecommerce businesses of all sizes that want to scale quickly, manage stock, or smooth out cash flow.

Novuna helps ecommerce retailers find the right finance to fuel growth. We compare business loan providers, guide you through the application, and make sure you secure funding that fits your business model.

 

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Why ecommerce businesses use loans

Running an online store often requires significant upfront spending on stock, advertising, and logistics. Business loans can provide the working capital needed to manage growth and stay competitive in a fast-moving market.


Types of loans available for ecommerce businesses

Working capital loans

Cover everyday expenses such as payroll, rent, and supplier invoices.

 

Inventory finance

Designed to help businesses buy stock ahead of busy sales periods without draining cash reserves.

 

Merchant cash advances

Repayments are tied to your card sales, making them flexible if income fluctuates month to month.

 

Marketing and growth loans

Funding specifically used to scale up advertising campaigns or expand into new markets.

 

Secured vs unsecured business loans

 

  • Secured loans: Require property or assets as security, often with lower rates.
  • Unsecured loans: No security required but may have higher interest rates and shorter terms.



How to choose the right loan

  • Assess your short-term vs long-term funding needs
  • Consider repayment flexibility if your sales vary seasonally

  • Factor in marketing ROI before borrowing for campaigns

  • Compare multiple providers to get the best terms


How Novuna Business Cash Flow helps

Novuna works with ecommerce businesses to match them with lenders who understand the challenges of online retail. From stock funding to growth-focused loans, we make sure you get the right product to scale with confidence.

We compare a range of providers to get you the right product and the best deal

Fast decisions. Flexible options. Funding over £2bn to more than 1,000 SMEs every year.

Complete the form below to compare and save with Novuna Business Cash Flow:

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