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Delivering
for Scotland

Start Up Loans

The Start Up Loans programme has already helped over 7,250 business owners with more than £68m of finance, all backed by the UK Government.

What are Start Up Loans?

Government-backed Start Up Loans are available to help people who want to start or grow a business that is less than 36 months old.

Start Up Loans are a great opportunity for individuals in need of a personal loan for business purposes to fund their new business.  In addition to the loan you will also receive 12 months free business support and mentoring to help with starting and growing your business.

How much can I apply for Start Up Loans?

Start Up Loans can help fund your business ideas and you can:

  • Borrow up to £25,000
  • Fixed interest rate of 6% p.a.
  • 1 – 5 year loan repayment term
  • No set up or early repayment fees

Use the Loan repayment calculator to help you work out what your total and monthly repayments will be, depending on the loan term and amount you choose.

What other support can I get?

You can also receive free business advice, which can give you the confidence and guidance to succeed:

  • Pre-loan support with business plans and cash flow forecasts
  • 12 months of free mentoring for loan recipients
  • A range of useful templates and start up guides

Pasteis Lisboa: Case Study

Emma and Sebastian turned their idea alongside a traditional Portuguese Nata recipe into a thriving Scottish business – selling enough natas that lined up would stretch from their central Glasgow shop door all the way to the edge of Loch Lomond.

Emma said:  “Pasteis Lisboa wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the British Business Bank (BBB) Start Up Loan programme. It’s that simple. The support we received from our loan adviser at Transmit Startups was invaluable in the final honing of our business plan.

Having the BBB ‘get’ what we wanted to do and giving us their backing so quickly was a massive confidence boost, just when we needed it.

This is just the beginning of an exciting journey, as we hope to bring the taste of Portugal to more locations and create memorable experiences.

We look forward to many more years of serving up our authentic pastéis de nata to the people of Scotland and beyond.”

Get started today

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More information

Get Help to Grow from the UK Government such as management courses, growing your exports and managing your tax.

Read about The Pretty Wild Flower Co. – a start up loan case study.

Receive business support updates from the UK Government on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Browse business support in Scotland.

Find help and advice with starting a business from the Scottish Government.