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START UP LOANS

Start up finance to help you launch with confidence

Have you been trading for less than 36 months? Get the foundational funding you need to launch your idea, buy initial stock or secure your first premises with a Start Up Loan.

  • Borrow from £500 to £25,000 at just 6% interest.

  • A government-backed loan to help get your idea off the ground.

  • Open a free account with Tide to apply. Simply tell us about your business and we’ll help you find the funding you need.

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What is a Start Up Loan?

A Start Up Loan is a government-backed personal loan designed to help you launch your new business.

Unlike traditional business loans, it’s designed for entrepreneurs who may lack a long trading history or significant assets.

But start up finance is more than just capital; it’s a dedicated support package, inclusive of a fixed interest rate and free business mentoring for successful applicants to help you get your business off the ground safely. 

How do Start Up Loans work?

Start Up Loans are unsecured, personal loans. They’re designed to provide finance and support to owners of new businesses who often struggle to access other forms of finance.

£25,000 limit

Co-own your business? Your partners can apply too, up to a maximum of £100,000 for the business.

Fixed repayments

Interest rate is fixed at 6% a year, with a repayment term of 1 to 5 years.

Free mentoring

Once your loan is approved, you’re matched with a business mentor for 12 months.

No hidden fees

There are no application fees or penalties if you choose to pay the loan off early.

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We've already helped businesses secure more than £1.1 billion

We’ve provided funding to more than 19,000 businesses across the UK, as part of our mission to help business owners grow with confidence.

Apply for a loan through Tide

Securing finance for a start up business through us is simple. With access to over 80 lenders, we’ll find a loan to suit your needs - whether that’s a tailored business loan or a government-backed Start Up Loan.

✅ Sign up for free

Download the app, tell us about your company and verify yourself. Your account could be approved in minutes.

✅ Compare loans that could fit your start up

Once your business account is approved, head to our Business Loans section to see what funding you're eligible for.

✅ Submit your application

If you’re eligible, we’ll connect you to one of our expert brokers. They’ll help you review your options for start up finance and walk you through the application.

Join Tide now and connect your business bank account to see if you’re eligible.

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What can a Start Up Loan be used for?

Start up finance can be used for whatever your business needs to get off to a flying start.

Securing premises

Lease your first office, shop, or studio and use your funding to cover the initial deposit, rent, or the cost of fitting out the space to create a professional home for your brand.

Purchase equipment

Buy the essential machinery, tools, or technology you need to deliver your products. This ensures you have high-spec equipment from day one without draining your personal savings.

Acquire inventory

Stock up on the raw materials or finished goods required to fulfill customer orders immediately. This helps you maintain a reliable supply chain while you build your early momentum.

Invest in marketing

Launch your brand with a high-converting website, social media campaigns, and PR. Use this finance to attract your first customers and build a digital presence that stands out online.

Cover legal fees

Settle the costs of business insurance, professional certifications, and trademarking. Ensuring you have full legal protection from the start gives you total peace of mind as you grow.

Manage cash flow

Bridge the gap during your early months of trading by covering daily operational expenses. This provides a vital safety net for your overheads while you establish your monthly revenue.

It’s worth noting that you can’t use a Start Up Loan for debt repayment, training qualifications, education programmes and investment opportunities. If you require funding for any of these, explore our business loans.

How are Start Up Loans different from business loans?

Financing a start up business is different to financing a growing one. Your needs, objectives and finances as a newly formed business are unique.

While traditional business loans often require years of accounts and high turnover, Start Up Loans are designed to bridge the gap for those just starting out - offering a more personal, supported approach to funding.

🚀 Start Up Loans

  • 0-36 months of trading history

  • Up to £25,000

  • Fixed interest rate at 6%

  • Borrowed by the individual, to use for the business

  • Designed to help new businesses get off the ground

  • Support and free 1:1 business mentoring included

📈 Business Loans

  • At least 12 months of trading history

  • Up to £20 million

  • Interest rates are variable

  • Borrowed by the business, to use for the business

  • Designed to help businesses scale, grow and optimise

  • Just the loan is provided

Are you eligible for a Start Up Loan?

Start Up Loans are specially designed for owners of new businesses. Certain types of businesses and activities are not eligible, but you may be able to apply for a Start Up Loan if:

  • You’re aged 18 or over

  • You’re a current UK resident

  • Your business is no older than 36 months

  • You can’t secure finance from another source

  • You have the right to work in the UK

  • Your business is based in the UK

  • You pass the credit checks and can afford to repay the loan

Loans and cash flow solutions for start ups who aren't eligible

If you’re after a larger capital injection over £25,000, or wanting to finance specific assets, a government-backed Start Up Loan isn’t the only path for you to take. Our broader range of commercial financing options is designed to support businesses with more complex needs.

Access a range of business funding options from our trusted partners

Aaron MoOng Ong Buns

With the help of Tide and their team of business finance experts, I was able to navigate the complexities of business finance, and secure the necessary funds to grow my business.

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Start Up Loan FAQs

Yes. Start Up Loans are available to sole traders as well as owners of limited companies.

Yes. As long as you haven’t already borrowed the £25,000 maximum amount and you’ve made more than 6 full repayments, you can apply for another Start Up Loan.

Yes. If you meet the eligibility criteria and at least 6 months have passed since your last unsuccessful application, you can re-apply.

We’re acting as a referrer only. We run pre-eligibility checks to see if we think you could be eligible to apply for a Start Up Loan, and we let you know in-app if we think you are.

If you’re eligible and you choose to apply, your application will be made with the Start Up Loans Company (a part of the British Business Bank).

If your application is successful, your loan agreement and loan finances will be provided to you by one of the Start Up Loans Company business support or finance partners.

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We understand businesses, it's all we do

We understand businesses, it's all we do

Tide is built by business owners for business owners. That’s why we’re trusted by over 1.5 million sole traders, freelancers, and limited companies worldwide.

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