History, Impact & Achievements

Since 2012, we've successfully supported thousands of individuals across the UK and distributed millions of pounds to help build British businesses.

When Lord Young conceived Start Up Loans in 2012, it was part of a suite of ideas designed to boost the level of entrepreneurial spirit within the UK and stimulate the growth of our local and national economies. Since then, we've successfully supported thousands of individuals across the UK and distributed millions of pounds to help build British businesses.

The history of Start Up Loans

Back in 2016, four years after Lord Young initially conceived of the idea, with over 45,000 Start Up Loans distributed to UK businesses, his vision was well on its way to becoming a reality. Lord Young said “it is easier than it has ever been to start a business” and the impact and achievements of the Start Up Loan scheme to date certainly supports this.

At the start of 2022, Start Up Loans has passed two milestones, delivering over 90,000 loans and providing over £800m of funding across the UK since 2012.

The success of Start Up Loans lies in our dual approach to supporting early stage businesses, equipping them not just with the finance to start and grow, but also, importantly, the support they require to succeed.

Our Business Support Partner network, comprised of a range of leading business support organisations around the country is an essential part of this. These organisations work closely with all of our loan applicants to put them in the best possible position to succeed – both in business and with their Start Up Loan application.

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Start Up Loans have the potential to transform the experience and enterprise potential of a new generation, just as the Enterprise Allowance Scheme transformed a generation in the 1980s. - Lord Young, founder of Start Up Loans, 2012

£1bn Milestone

Since 2012, our Start Up Loans programme has provided over £1bn of finance to aspiring business owners across the UK, enabling them to follow their passion, make their business dream a reality and become their own boss.

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Impact and achievements

The Start Up Loans scheme has had a transformative impact on the lives of thousands of individuals, our local communities and the nation as a whole. The programme delivers around £3 of benefits to the UK economy, for every £1 of economic cost operating the programme.

Check out the infographic below for our latest lending statistics, including our work with individuals who might have struggled to start up without our support.