Apply for a Second Start Up Loan
Additional funding to grow your business
Apply nowStart Up Loan Scheme since 2012:
Loans delivered to UK startups
Invested in new founders
Invested in women-led businesses
Invested in ethnic minority-led businesses
What is a Second Loan?
A Second Start Up Loan is top-up funding for founders who have already received a Start Up Loan and now need more finance to grow.
If you’re asking “can I get a second Start Up Loan?”, the answer is yes – if you meet the criteria.
BEF are official delivery partners of the British Business Bank's Start Up Loans Scheme.
Continue building your business
- Up to £25,000 total Start Up Loan funding
- 6% fixed interest
- Repay over 1 to 5 years
- No setup fees, no early repayment fees
- No security or guarantors required
- Funds typically in 3–8 weeks
- Dedicated support for your application
Is a Second Loan right for me?
Businesses trading up to five years old can access the funds to make a big positive impact.
Why choose a Second Loan from BEF?
Proven track record
We’ve helped thousands of founders across the North start and grow their businesses through the Start Up Loans Scheme.
Local, personal support
You get one-to-one guidance from people who understand the challenges of early-stage business growth.
Mission-driven lending
You get one-to-one guidance from people who understand the challenges of early-stage business growth.
Not-for-profit mission
As a not-for-profit, every repayment helps us support more entrepreneurs on their journey.
Trusted by founders across the North
See how our Start Up Loans have helped businesses like yours take the next step.
"As a first-time entrepreneur, starting my own business was intimidating, but the BEF team helped with the whole process, giving me the confidence to push forward."
Danelaw Coffee
"This investment from BEF is a game changer for us."
Mamma Social Co
“They clearly understood our vision and the entire process was straightforward, taking the stress out of launching a brand new business.”
The Spine Guy
“The Start-Up Loan from BEF has been transformative. This support is not just financial; it's a vote of confidence in our mission."
Xtra9ce Wigs and Hair Pieces
Real reviews from real clients
From first-time founders to growing businesses, thousands have taken their next step with our support. Here’s how BEF funding helped turn ambition into action.
"Takes time when you not organised ;) Everything went smoothly from start to finish. Our admin team and business manager Habib were incredibly helpful offering plenty of advice and support. The initial paperwork is quite extensive but if you organise yourself and have your business plan in place it all works out. Thank you so much! Our journey begins now. :)"
"I applied for a Government Start Up Loan Habib Karimi at the Business Enterprise Fund (BEF) supported me to submit my application. Explaining everything simply and making the process run efficiently. He was professional and supportive. Fantastic experience and I received the funds quickly. He ensured he checked all the details and that I was lending an amount my business could afford. Highly recommend Thanks Laura from Organise Your Life With Laura"
"We applied for the UK Government Start Up Loan and our application was handled by Habib Karimi from BEF (Business Enterprise Fund). We couldn’t have asked for better support — Habib was extremely professional, responsive, and guided us clearly through every step of the process. The whole experience was smooth and stress-free, and thanks to his help, our loan was approved quickly. Highly recommended for anyone applying for a Start Up Loan — great experience and excellent service! Thank you again Habib for all the support and advice! Cristian Susca Partsworth Limited"
"Habib Karimi at the Business Enterprise Fund (BEF) has been absolutely fantastic to work with. He was efficient, professional, and guided me smoothly through the whole process, making everything straightforward and stress-free. The support we received has made a huge difference to our business development. We’re really happy with the service provided through BEF and very grateful for Habib’s support – highly recommended!"
"Julie Micklethwaite at the Business Enterprise Fund (BEF) has been absolutely fantastic to work with. She has now successfully secured two invaluable start-up loans for my business, and the difference this extra cash flow has made to our development is huge. Julie was efficient, professional, and guided me smoothly through the whole process, making everything straightforward and stress-free. We’re really happy with the service she provided through BEF and very grateful for her support – highly recommended!"
How to apply for your Second Loan
Start with a quick application and initial credit check.
Start with a quick application and initial credit check.
You’ll discuss how your business has performed since your first loan, and how this top-up will be used.
Once approved, you’ll receive your Second Loan and 12 months of free mentoring.
Get started in minutes.
Start your applicationFrequently asked questions
Need to know something that isn't covered here? Just drop us a message.
Loan example (representative APR)
You can apply for a Start Up Loan of up to £25,000.
For a Start Up Loan of £11,500 loan repayable over 5 years:
- 60 monthly payments of £212.66
- Interest rate: 6% fixed per annum
- Total amount of credit: £11,500
- Total interest payable: £1,839.63 (total cost of credit)
- Total amount repayable: £13,339.63
Your actual loan terms may vary depending on your circumstances.
If you're not eligible for a Start Up Loan, we may be able to offer an alternative loan. Rates and terms will vary. Further information, and terms and conditions are available on request.
Important legal information
The Start Up Loans Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of British Business Bank plc. It is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales, registration number 08117656, registered office at 71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, England, WC2H 9JQ.
British Business Bank plc is a development bank wholly owned by HM Government. British Business Bank plc and its subsidiaries are not banking institutions and do not operate as such. They are not authorised or regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) or the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
A complete legal structure chart for the group can be found at www.british-business-bank.co.uk.