Start Up Loan

Unleash your business ambition

£11500
5year(s)
£
£

£500–£25k to start and grow your own business

Apply now

Start Up Loans since 2012:

125,000

Loans delivered to UK startups

£ 1.2bn

Invested in new founders

40 %

Invested in women-led businesses

20 %

Invested in ethnic minority-led businesses

Start Up Loans: Overview

Start Up Loans from BEF are helping people across the North East become business owners. Even if you don't have a trading history or perfect credit score, we could still be able to help you.

Get £500-£25k per founder (up to £100k for four founders) in fair, flexible, government-backed funding.

BEF North East are official delivery partners of the British Business Bank's Start Up Loans Scheme.

Start Up Loan £500 - £25k

Put your ambition into action

  • For businesses trading less than 3 years
  • Average loan size: £11.5k
  • 6% 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
Start your application

Is a Start Up Loan right for you?

Pre-starts and businesses up to three years old can access the funds to make a big positive impact.

Start your application
A Start Up Loan could be right if:
Not right if:
Am I eligible for a Start Up Loan?

Why choose a Start Up Loan from BEF NE?

Trusted across the region

Hundreds of thriving North East businesses got started with a BEF loan.

Local business expertise

Get guidance, support, and mentoring from people who understand how the North East works.

Fair, flexible finance

Funding with five-year terms, no setup fees or hidden charges, and no guarantor needed.

Impact-driven lending

We're a not-for-profit lender. Your repayments become more loans for other businesses.

Start your application

North East startup success stories

New entrepreneurs across the region are turning their ideas into businesses with BEF Start Up Loans.

    "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.”

    Befund

    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

    How to apply

    1. Apply online

    Complete a quick application and credit check.

    2. Get support

    Our team helps you gather your info.

    3. Refine your plan

    One-to-one with a Business Advisor.

    4. Get your decision

    Receive funding and 12 months mentoring.

    Get your business moving in less than a few minutes.

    Apply now

    Frequently asked questions

    Need to know something that isn't covered here? Just drop us a message.

    Is a credit check part of the application process?
    Can I apply if I have a poor credit history?
    Do I need to offer security or a guarantor?
    Is support included?
    What can I use a Start Up Loan for?
    How can I prepare before applying
    Where can I learn more about running a start-up business?

    Start your application

    Start Up Loans are backed by the British Business Bank.

    Complete this short form below and you’ll be directed to their secure site to finish your Start Up Loan application.

    Consent 

    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.