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START UP LOANS

Start up finance to help you launch with confidence

Have you been trading for less than 60 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 7.5% 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.

 Open an account

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 7.5% 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.

Open an account

We've already helped businesses secure more than £1.6 billion

We’ve provided funding to more than 43,000 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.

Open an account

What can a Start Up Loan be used for?

Securing premises

Purchase equipment

Acquire inventory

Invest in marketing

Cover legal fees

Manage cash flow

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

  • 0-60 months of trading history

  • Up to £25,000

  • Fixed interest rate at 7.5%

  • 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 60 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

Access a range of business finance 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.

Learn more about starting a business

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