Do you need an unsecured start up loan

Is a start up loan right for my business?

Start up loans are designed specifically for people who are just looking to start a new business. They maybe haven’t even got the business off the ground yet. They could have started a business within the last three years. The main requirement is they need cash to further fund the business growth.

Firstly these loans are unsecured. Secondly, they’re at a cracking rate of interest of (currently 6% per annum), fixed for the term of the loan. Businesses can borrow up to £25,000 for each director or shareholder of the business.

If you’re in business with somebody, you could raise £50,000. If you’re going to business with three other people, up to £100,000 pounds is available. With rates high at the moment, and unsecured loan at 6% is cheaper than most commercial mortgages which are secured on property.

Qualifying for a start up loan

We think this is a great product but what do you have to do to qualify?

It helps if you understand the rationale behind granting the loan. It’s a government backed scheme, which is why it’s so cheap. That’s also why there is the assistance there to help people.

Government wants to help new businesses to grow and flourish.

Business owners or directors need to be over 18, be UK resident with rights to work in the UK. They also need a reasonable credit history. Not perfect.

The start up loan has to be for a legal and ethical use. Sorry, no porn, no drug dealing. Startup loans also don’t cater for charities, chemical manufacturers, banking and other regulated financial activities

Any business has to be relatively new, less than three years old. Or it could be a business you’re just planning or getting off the ground.

Applying for a start up loan

The lender will look at your business plans and try to find a way to support it. The business does not need to prove it can afford the loan, however, it does need to have a business plan to demonstrate how it will afford the loan in the future. Each business is appointed a mentor to help guide them through the entire application process, including how to present their business plan.

Think about that for a moment. Virtually every other business lender in the UK will expect you to prove sufficient income to support the borrowings. With the startup loan, you can’t do that. So it is often arranged on the basis of a self declaration forecast. this makes it fairly unique.

The lender takes into consideration your credit history. So if you’re on a debt management plan, you’ve got IVA’S, loads of returned payments on your business bank statements, that’s not going to work well for you. If you have a few glitches on your personal credit, with a good explanation, that might be acceptable

Questions about your startup loan

This is a government-backed scheme with specific providers to answer questions. Therefore it’s best to complete the short inquiry form and then ask questions from your business mentor. Your business mentor will help you put the application together. So if you’ve never done a cash flow forecast all business plan before in your life, they’ll help you with that.

You’ll find a link to our page above where you can find out some more information. And if you think it’s for you, you can apply now.

We think it’s a great product. It’s not that well known about and it could really help your business get off to a flying start.

If this is the type of financial help you need, apply now and let your mentor help you through the journey

When your business is established

And as your business grows be sure to keep good financial records and accounts. At some point in the future you may be looking for expansion or to buy premises. Either way most lenders will expect to see two years accounts from your business supported with business bank statements showing your turnover and account conduct. When the time comes for a commercial mortgage or an unsecured business loan, it will be much easier for you if you have a strong two-year history of running successful business with a good credit history and reliable financial records.

Good luck