Business support
Britain has no single “start-up grant” — it has 129 separate schemes: grants, loans and equity. A grant is not repaid, a loan is, and a third of the schemes are tied to one county or town.
What support you qualify for
- Grant · amount on GOV.UK
Northern Ireland Business Support Finder
Northern IrelandA searchable database that can help you find publicly-funded sources of business assistance that you may be eligible to apply for.FinanceEquityGrantLoanExpertise and adviceAwardTerms and application → - Grant · amount on GOV.UK
Better Business Finance - UK
Established · the whole UKFree, quick and easy access to a directory of approved finance suppliers for UK businesses.FinanceEquityGrantLoanExpertise and adviceTerms and application → - Grant · amount on GOV.UK
Innovate UK - grant funding, innovation loans and expert support
Trading 1–2 years, Established · the whole UKSupports innovative UK businesses to realise the potential of new technologies, develop ideas and make them a commercial success.FinanceGrantLoanExpertise and adviceTerms and application → - Grant · amount on GOV.UK
Momentum Music Fund
the whole UK · 0 to 9 employees · Travel and leisureThe Momentum Music Fund offers grants of £5k-£15k for artists/bands to break through to the next level of their careers.FinanceGrantLoanTerms and application → - Loan · amount on GOV.UK
Big Issue Invest - UK
Established · the whole UKBig Issue Invest helps social enterprises and charities by providing loans and investments.FinanceEquityLoanTerms and application → - Loan · amount on GOV.UK
Enterprise programme for young people - UK
Not yet trading, Trading 1–2 years · the whole UKThe King's Trust helps young people aged 18 to 30 years who want to set up their own business in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.FinanceLoanExpertise and adviceTerms and application → - Loan · amount on GOV.UK
Growth Guarantee Scheme
Trading 1–2 years, Established · the whole UK · 0 to 9, 10 to 249 employeesThe Growth Guarantee Scheme is a government-backed scheme designed to support access to finance for UK businesses as they look to invest and grow.FinanceLoanTerms and application → - Loan · amount on GOV.UK
UK Export Finance
Established · the whole UKSupports access to loans and other trade finance facilities for businesses that sell internationally via government guarantees.FinanceLoanExpertise and adviceTerms and application →
Where this comes from
The catalogue comes from GOV.UK search and refreshes every morning, last on 04.10.2026. We take no money to list anything; the decision is made by whoever runs the scheme.
Loan calculator
The monthly repayment and the total interest on a loan. Worked out in your browser. The other calculators →
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a month
principal — interest — total —
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The same amount under other programmes
| Programme | A month | Interest | Term |
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How this is worked out
On a reducing balance, the way Start Up Loans and banks do it. A “flat rate” in an advert means a real rate close to double: interest there is charged on the whole sum. Any arrangement fee is not included. Worked out in your browser.
Do you qualify for a Start Up Loan
The government start-up loan: £500–25,000 at 7.5% over up to five years, no security. It is a personal loan, not a company one — you are liable.
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What happens next
This checks the basic conditions, not the decision. Next come the business plan, the cash-flow forecast and your credit history. The scheme is run by the Start Up Loans Company, part of the British Business Bank.
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