Leeds offers a blend of urban excitement and suburban tranquillity, from the green expanses of Headingley, Roundhay, and Chapel Allerton to the community spirit of Horsforth, Beeston, Morley, Garforth, Otley, Pudsey, and Rothwell. This diversity extends to its economic landscape, with Leeds standing as a major UK financial centre outside London, fostering growth in finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and digital sectors, supported by strong networks for business innovation.
Starting a business in Leeds comes with its challenges, particularly in securing funding. Aspiring and new business owners often grapple with complex loan applications, fear of rejection due to insufficient collateral or credit history, and daunting financial terms.
Thankfully, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The government-backed Start Up Loans scheme is a solution designed to help you succeed despite the challenges.
A Start Up Loan is a government-backed personal loan available to individuals looking to start or grow a business in the UK. It's an excellent way to finance your Leeds based start-up. The loan is unsecured, so there’s no need to put forward any assets or guarantors to support an application.
£11,000 loan repayable over 5 years. 60 monthly payments of £212.66. Fixed interest rate of interest 6% per annum. Total amount of credit £11,000.Total interest payable £1,759.60.Total cost of credit £1,759.60. Total amount payable is £12,759.60.
This is an illustrative example for a loan of £11,000. Loans of up to £25,000 are available from the Start Up Loans Company. Rates and terms will vary for other loan products from BEF should you not be eligible for a Start Up Loan. Further information is available on request.
Find out how much you could afford to borrow with BEF's Start Up Loan calculator.
To be eligible for a Start Up Loan, you need to:
Applying for a start-up loan is a straightforward process:
Usually, our team of Investment Managers will help you finish everything up within six weeks after you apply for a Start Up Loan.
Hearing from fellow start-up owners can provide that extra dose of inspiration and confidence you need. That's why we've gathered testimonials from business owners in Leeds who have successfully utilised a Start Up Loan to elevate their businesses. Here are their stories:
“The Business Enterprise Fund has been a huge help in us getting started, with the loan helping on everything from signage to equipment and we’ve so appreciated their ongoing professional advice. We’ve seen a whole variety of patients so far from those taking charge of their preventative care or couples who want to look and feel good in their wedding photos.”
- Laura Ben Mayor, director, The Spine Guy
We are more than just a place to borrow money; we're a trusted partner who really wants you to do well. We're all about helping people get the money they need to start their dreams. So far, we've helped over 5,000 people start their journeys with £20 million in Start Up Loan cash.
Here's what makes us right for you:
Have questions? Our FAQ section includes answers to common questions. If your question isn't listed, our dedicated team is just a message away.
A Start Up Loan is here to help your Leeds-based start-up grow, but we get that every business is different. You can generally use the loan for things like day-to-day costs, premises, equipment, stock, marketing, bringing on new team members, or other ways to build your business. Still, we suggest explaining how you plan to use the money in your application, so it matches up with what the loan is meant for.
Usually, you'll need to show us your Business Plan, Cash Flow Forecast, Personal Survival Budget, and Personal Bank Statements from the last three months. Don't worry, one of our friendly Investment Managers will let you know if we need anything else from you.
A Start Up Loan is a personal loan that is regulated under the Consumer Credit Act 1974. This means the loan is taken out in your name and not the name of your venture. The loan is repayable on a monthly basis for the duration of the term of the loan. The finance provided to you is not a grant. Your Leeds-based business may qualify for an AD:VENTURE Growth Grant.
No, you don't. No security or collateral is required. What's more, you do not have to pay any application or early repayment fees.
Yes, they can. All owners or partners in a business can individually apply for up to £25,000 each, with a maximum of £100,000 available per business.
A poor credit history will not necessarily prevent you from securing a Start Up Loan; however, it is certainly a factor that will be considered as part of our assessment process. We are committed to responsible lending and, as part of this, review each applicant’s past financial behaviours and current ability to afford the loan.
For this reason, we are unable to lend to individuals with certain credit impairments. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
