Start Up Loans

  • Start or grow your own business
  • Borrow up to £25,000
  • Fixed interest rate of 6% per year
  • Repay the loan over a term of 1-5 years
  • 12 months of free mentoring
  • Government-backed
Apply for funding now for a Start Up Loan
person studying on desk with computer, open university logo in the background

Learn with Start Up Loans

Start Up Loans has partnered with The Open University to offer a range of free courses ideal for people who are going into business for the first time. 

The courses provide rich information covering subjects such as:

  • Entrepreneurship
  • Career and Leadership
  • Finance and Accounting
  • Sustainability
  • Project Management

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.

Start Up Loans

Melin Llynon

Restoration of Wales’ last working windmill sees sails turn again on Ynys Môn. Melin Llynon is restored to former glory following funding from Isle of Anglesey County Council and British Business Bank

Start Up Loans

BKW CrossFit

A group of four friends have joined forces to launch BKW CrossFit, a new community-based gym in East Bristol, with the help of a Start Up Loan from the British Business Bank.

Start Up Loans

Krapow Thai Restaurant

Phil enjoyed a 17-year career in the British Army. He met his Thai partner Chanisara seven years ago and that sparked their dream to open a restaurant together. Chanisara started serving her cuisine with a Thai food stall in the town’s central market and discovered that demand was high for her freshly made products. The Start Up Loan of £24,000 they secured via X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) was key to making their dream a reality.

Start up Loans at a Glance

Over 100,000 business ideas supported with more than £1 billion worth of loans. 

We offer government-backed low-interest personal loans and free mentoring to help you start or grow a new business.

  • Borrow up to £25,000 (The average loan amount is £7,200)
  • Fixed interest rate of 6% per annum (per year)
  • Repay the loan over a term of 1–5 years
  • No fees for arranging the loan or paying it back early
Apply now for a start up loan
two people in a store purchasing carrots

Learn more about the loan

Download our essential guide to starting a business

Inside, you'll find tips and guidance on:

  • conducting market research on customers and competitors
  • choosing a company structure
  • figuring out your responsibilities around paying insurance and tax
  • developing your business strategy and sales forecast
  • writing your business plan analysing your strengths and weaknesses
Download the guide (.pdf, 2.28 MB) to making business finance work for you (Opens in new window)
front coger for the essential guide to staritng a business