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We are aware of scams coming from email and social media where people try to impersonate us. We will never ask you for money or your bank details. Learn more about what to look out for and how to protect yourself.

Start Up Loans

Start or grow your own business

  • Borrow up to £25,000
  • Fixed interest rate of 6% per annum
  • Repay loan over 1 to 5 years
  • 12 months of free mentoring
  • Government-backed
Start up Loans Ambassadors logo 2023

Start Up Loans appoints 12 small businesses from across the UK as its new Ambassadors

The programme has delivered more than £1bn of funding to over 109,000 businesses since 2012.

Find out more about our new Ambassadors.

Over 105,000 business ideas supported with more than £1 billion worth of loans
We offer low-interest personal loans and free mentoring to help you start or grow a new business.
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Borrow up to £25,000
(The average loan amount is £7,200)
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Fixed interest rate of 6% per annum (per year)
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Repay the loan over a term of 1–5 years
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No fees for arranging the loan or paying it back early
A great alternative for people looking for a business loan to fund a start-up.
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Support with writing business plans and cash flow forecasts
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12 months of free mentoring once you receive a loan​
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A range of useful templates and how-to guides
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Exclusive discounts on business products from O2, Experian, Intuit and 30+ more
To be eligible to apply for a Start Up Loan, you must meet the following criteria. If you need more information, visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
To be eligible to apply for a Start Up Loan, you must meet the following criteria:
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You’re 18 years of age or older
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You’re a current UK resident
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You’re starting a new business or have been trading for up to 36 months
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You’re unable to secure finance from other sources (self-declaration is ok)
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Your business is based in the UK
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You have the right to work in the UK
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Your type of business and reason for wanting the loan is eligible under the terms of the scheme
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You pass our credit checks and you can afford to repay the loan

Do you meet the criteria?

Apply today and get support with creating your business plan and cash flow forecast.

If you’re in a business partnership, buying an existing business or starting a franchise, you can apply for a Start Up Loan if you meet the criteria above. Scroll down this page to find out more about the process for these applicants.

Making business finance work for you

Making business finance work for you

Running a business doesn’t come with a set of instructions.

We know that understanding the many different types of financial product in the marketplace can be a challenge for any business owner.

Our Making business finance work for you guide is designed to help you make an informed choice about accessing the right type of finance for you and your business.

 

  • Discover the types of finance you can use to start a business
  • Learn how finance can support business growth
  • Understand how to consolidate debt or purchase a major asset
  • Read chapters on working capital, importing/exporting, R&D and more

The information you give us in the form will be added to our database and used to send you newsletters. You can unsubscribe at any time. For further details, please see our privacy notice.

Our success stories

Thousands of UK businesses have been backed with the help of a Start Up Loan. Read below to find out about some of our success stories and how the support we offer, combined with small business funding, helped them turn their dreams into reality.

Business tips and advice

Read the latest practical tips and guidance, designed to help you build your business.

Female business coach giving presentation

23 businesses to start in 2023

If you are inspired to indulge your entrepreneurial spirit and start your own business, several trends are emerging for small business start-ups, from a growing interest in all things environmental to opportunities to service remote workers.

Black woman and white man looking at a laptop screen

10 big challenges of starting a business

You’ll face many challenges when starting your own business. This guide outlines how to deal with some of the most common ones you’ll encounter.

Man signing loan agreement

Guide to business overdrafts and other working capital products

Managing money is one of the biggest challenges a founder faces and getting to grips with working capital is essential for successfully operating a business, funding growth, and preventing it from failing.

Latest tips and guidance delivered straight to your inbox

Whether you’re thinking of applying for a Start Up Loan in the future, or have already received one, sign-up to receive our monthly e-newsletter, filled with the latest success stories, information and special offers for your business.

  • By submitting this form you are signing up to receive the Start Up Loans newsletter containing useful business tips, event details, offers and information about our products that can help you start and grow a small business.
The information you give us in the form will be added to our database and used to send you newsletters. You can unsubscribe at any time. For further details, please see our privacy notice.

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