Zempler Bank partners with iwoca to improve access to funding for SMEs
Zempler, a digital bank serving start-ups and microbusinesses, has today announced a new partnership with iwoca, one of Europe’s leading SME lenders, to expand its SME offering and make business lending more accessible.
Available through Zempler’s marketplace, the partnership will allow customers to borrow between £1,000 and £1m with flexible repayment terms. iwoca’s business loans can be used to purchase stock, invest in growth plans, or simply smooth cashflow, helping to address challenges that many SMEs face on a daily basis.
The collaboration builds on Zempler and iwoca’s shared objective to support UK SMEs, particularly at a time when smaller businesses continue to struggle with limited lending options from traditional providers.
Zempler research shows that 44% of SMEs cite access to funding as the biggest barrier to launching their business. These concerns are unlikely to subside, with iwoca’s Q2 SME Expert Index finding that 76% of UK finance brokers predict that SMEs’ demand for finance will rise in the coming months.
By integrating iwoca into its marketplace, Zempler provides customers with a simple, trusted way to secure fast, flexible finance directly through its platform.
The service has been designed with speed and accessibility in mind. Businesses can apply in minutes without affecting their credit score. Customers also benefit from early repayment with no fees, alongside a dedicated account manager to guide them through the process.
Rich Wagner, CEO, Zempler Bank: “SMEs are a vital driver of jobs and growth within the UK economy, but many face unnecessary barriers when it comes to accessing the finance they need to grow. Our research shows that access to funding is one of the biggest barriers to small business growth. By adding iwoca to our marketplace and offering flexible funding options, we’re making it easier for our customers to unlock their growth potential.”
Colin Goldstein, chief commercial officer, iwoca: “At iwoca, our mission is to help small businesses get the finance they need, when they need it. Partnering with Zempler means even more SMEs can benefit from quick decisions, flexible repayments, and a service designed around their needs — all within a banking platform they already trust.”