Funding and support for
startup businesses
- Borrow up to £25,000
- Help from a Business Advisor to prepare your application
- Unlimited phone, email & webchat support
- Free business plan and cash flow forecast templates
- 12 months of mentoring for recipients
Funding and support for
startup businesses
- Borrow up to £25,000
- Help from a Business Advisor to prepare your application
- Unlimited phone, email & webchat support
- Free business plan and cash flow forecast templates
- 12 months of mentoring for recipients
The Start Up Loans Company provides government-backed personal loans and free business support to individuals looking to start or grow a business in the UK.
Our team of Business Advisors are on hand to help you create a business plan, cash flow forecast and personal survival budget to submit with your application. You can also use our free templates to help guide you through the process.
Support can be delivered via phone, email or webchat with unlimited appointments available. Our team can help with your application from initial enquiry right the way through to your final application.
If your loan application is successful, you will receive 12 months of free 1-on-1 mentoring from an experienced business professional to help you succeed.
The Start Up Loans Company provides government-backed personal loans and free business support to individuals looking to start or grow a business in the UK.
Our team of Business Advisors are on hand to help you create a business plan, cash flow forecast and personal survival budget to submit with your application. You can also use our free templates to help guide you through the process.
Support can be delivered via phone, email or webchat with unlimited appointments available. Our team can help with your application from initial enquiry right the way through to your final application.
If your loan application is successful, you will receive 12 months of free 1-on-1 mentoring from an experienced business professional to help you succeed.
What support am I entitled to while I’m going through the application process?
Our Delivery Partners are on hand to support you through the application process. They can give you advice on completing the application forms and what information you’ll need to include. They can also help you create your business plan, cash flow forecast and personal survival budget, whether you need help creating these from scratch or just want someone to review and sense check them.
Because your Delivery Partner will also be assessing your loan application to determine whether or not you qualify for a Start Up Loan, their support will focus on putting you in the best possible position to succeed. It is important to remember that ultimately you are responsible for your application and even though a Delivery Partner will do their best to support you, this does not guarantee you will qualify for the loan.
Can you offer support with drafting my business plan and cash flow forecast?
Yes, your Delivery Partner will be able to provide you with this support. Where possible we encourage you to attempt drafting your plans first, using our free templates, as this will help your Delivery Partner get a better understanding of you and your business. But don’t worry, if you’ve never done this before and want some guidance before you get started, this is absolutely fine.
I do not have a business idea yet. Can I still apply for a Start Up Loan?
Unfortunately, the Start Up Loans scheme is designed to support people in starting up or growing their business, so although you don’t need to be trading in order to qualify for a loan, you will need to have a business idea in order to make your application.
As part of the application process, you will need to submit a business plan and cash flow forecast. Don’t worry if you haven’t completed these yet – once you have registered your details and been assigned to one of our Delivery Partners for support, a business adviser can provide you guidance on completing these documents. We also offer a range of useful guides that you might find helpful as you’re getting started.
We recommend you apply at the point at which the finance will help you to launch your business and when you have the time to invest in creating your business documents. If you are only interested in an advisory support service at this point, we recommend you use the Government’s business support tool or contact the Business Support Helpline on 0300 456 3565. Either of these may be able to direct you to another suitable service.
How long does the application process take?
As no two businesses are the same, we cannot give an average time period for how long your application will take. Customers who are highly prepared can take as little as two to three weeks, while other customers require more support to complete the necessary documents and can take two to three months and longer. We try and put you in control of the process as much as possible, so the more prepared you are, the faster your application will progress.
If you have a final or draft version of your business plan and cash flow forecast completed at the time of lodging your application, it will be easier for your Delivery Partner to get a sense of how much support you require in order to progress. Please note, our Customer Service team and our Delivery Partners endeavour to respond to all customer enquiries within two working days.
I have a business idea or my business is already trading. Can I apply for a Start Up Loan?
Yes, the Start Up Loans scheme can support individuals who are starting new businesses or those with existing businesses, provided they have not been trading for more than two years.
As part of the application process you will need to submit a business plan and cash flow forecast. Don’t worry if you haven’t completed these yet – once you have registered your details and been assigned to one of our Delivery Partners for support, a business adviser can provide you guidance on completing these documents. We also offer a range of useful guides that you might find helpful as you’re getting started.
We recommend you apply at the point at which the finance will help you to launch your business and when you have the time to invest in creating your business documents.
If you are only interested in an advisory support service at this point, we recommend you use the Government’s business support tool or contact the Business Support Helpline on 0300 456 3565. Either of these may be able to direct you to another suitable service.
How much support can I request from my mentor?
You are entitled to 15-hours of 1:1 mentoring over the first 12-months of your loan term.
STEP 1
REGISTER YOUR DETAILS
Fill in our registration form. Then choose a Delivery Partner or let us match you with one who we think can offer the best support with your application.
Your Delivery Partner will contact you and will be able to provide support with writing your business plan, creating your cash flow forecast and deciding on your loan amount.
STEP 2
COMPLETE AN APPLICATION FORM
Provide information about your business to help us understand your personal situation, how much you’re seeking and how you’ll use the loan.
Your Delivery Partner will run a credit check to assess if you’re eligible and, in line with our commitment to responsible lending, determine if you can afford the loan.
STEP 3
FINALISE BUSINESS DOCUMENTS
You’ll need to provide a business plan, cash flow forecast and personal survival budget. You can submit these straight away during your application if they’re ready to go.
Don’t worry if your documents aren’t ready yet – your Business Advisor will support you in creating them, and you can use our free templates.
Once your application is complete and you’ve signed your loan agreement, you can draw down your loan and access 12 months of free one-to-one mentoring right away. Click on the Register Now button below to get started.
Once your application is complete and you’ve signed your loan agreement, you can draw down your loan and access 12 months of free one-to-one mentoring right away. Click on the Register Now button below to get started.
How to apply
Our application process is designed to allow you to demonstrate that you can afford a Start Up Loan and that you have a strong, viable business idea. Find out more to get started.