Funding built for your first 5 years in business
Get £500–£25k to launch and grow.
Start your applicationStart 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 Start Up Loan?
A Start Up Loan is designed for people who have the idea, ambition, and drive to build something new, even without a track record, assets, or perfect credit score.
If you’re starting a business or have been trading for less than five years, a government-backed Start Up Loan can give you the funding and support to take your next step with confidence.
We’re a trusted delivery partner for the government-backed Start Up Loans Scheme, managed by the British Business Bank.
For pre-starts and startups
- For businesses trading up to 5 years
- Average loan size: £11.5k
- 7.5% fixed interest, repay over 1–5 years
- No setup or early repayment fees
- No security or guarantors required
- 12 months free business mentoring
- Funds typically in 3–8 weeks
- Credit check required
Is a Start Up Loan right for me?
If you're a pre-start or early-stage founder searching for funding to start a business or finance to grow a startup, a Start Up Loan could be the perfect fit.
Why choose a Start Up Loan from BEF
Proven track record
We’ve helped thousands of founders turn ideas into thriving businesses across the North.
Local, personal support
Real people, real conversations. You’ll get one-to-one guidance from advisers who understand the realities of starting up.
Fair, flexible terms
Repay over 1–5 years with a fixed rate, no fees, and no guarantors.
Mission-driven lending
We reinvest repayments to support more entrepreneurs. Your success fuels the next founder’s journey.
Start your application and get your business moving.
Get startedReal reviews from happy 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"
"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
Complete a short application and credit check.
Our team helps you prepare your documents and financials.
Work one-to-one with a Business Adviser.
Receive your Start Up Loan and 12 months of mentoring.
It only takes a few minutes to begin your application
Start your applicationFrequently asked questions
Key things you need to know to apply with confidence. If you don’t see your answer here, our team’s just a message away.
Start your application
Start Up Loans are government‑backed.
Loan example (representative APR)
7.78% APR* Representative example based on a loan of £10,000 repayable over 60 months at an interest rate of 7.5% AIR** per annum (fixed). 60 Monthly repayments of £200.45, total amount payable £12,027.00.
*Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is the total cost of the credit expressed as an annual percentage. It represents the actual yearly cost of credit over the loan term.
**Annual Interest Rate (AIR) is the rate of interest on a loan with the rate compounded on a monthly basis.
These calculations are only for illustrative purposes and are not a substitute for professional advice.
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.