Funding built for your first 5 years in business
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Start-up funding with real support
You’ve got a business idea and the courage to act on it. But you are unable to secure funding because you don't have a track record, assets, or the ‘perfect’ credit score.
That’s where Start Up Loans come in. They’re designed specifically to break down those barriers and help people like you get started or grow with confidence
What is a Start Up Loan
A Start Up Loan is a personal loan for business purposes for a term of 1 to 5 years at a fixed rate of 7.5% per annum. Applicants must be aged 18 or over at the time of the application. A credit check will be completed.
As part of the BEF Group, we are a Delivery Partner for the Start Up Loans scheme, working with the British Business Bank.
Launch or early-stage growth
- Average loan: 11.5k
- Fixed interest rate of 7.5%
- Repay over 1 – 5 years
- No setup fee
- No early repayment fee
- No security or guarantors required
- Free business mentoring for 12 months
- Receive funds in 3 – 8 weeks
- A credit check will be completed
Is a Start Up Loan right for you?
If you’ve been trading under three years, this could be your chance to bring your business to life with the funding and support to get started.
Why choose Business Finance NW
Lean on proven experience
Join thousands of successful founders who’ve launched with our support.
Local experts by your side
Personalised support with your application.
Flexible repayments
Enjoy flexible repayment options spanning 1 to 5 years.
No security or guarantors required
Just a solid idea and a plan.
As a CDFI, we exist to help people and communities thrive, not to maximise profit.
Start your applicationClient testimonials
We’ve helped thousands of founders. Here’s what they have to say.
“They clearly understood our vision and the entire process was straightforward, taking the stress out of launching a brand new business.”
Jeff Ben Mayor
“We were put in touch with Julie from BEF. She was absolutely brilliant and gave us all the help and advice we needed”
“The shop needed a lot of work to complete it so I used my own savings to get it just right. I then used BEF’s funding to help fill it with stock.”
“We'd like to say a huge thank you for all the support we've received from everyone involved in marketing Spark:York happen.”
How to apply for a Start Up Loan
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.
Let’s get your business moving. It only takes a few minutes to get started. Get funded in 3 - 8 weeks.
Start your applicationFAQs about Start Up Loans
Local support, clear guidance and friendly advice. Everything you need to move forward with confidence.
Apply with confidence
Start Up Loans are managed by the British Business Bank.
We work better together
By partnering with trusted organisations, we reach more businesses and boost our impact where it matters most.
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
Your actual loan terms may vary depending on your circumstances.
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, 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.