Success stories

We've already helped tens of thousands of individuals to start and grow their business. Learn how with our library of success stories.

We've already helped tens of thousands of individuals to start and grow their business. Read on for the full story on some of our most inspiring loan recipients: why they became their own boss, the challenges they faced and overcame along the way and how a Start Up Loan helped them to achieve their dreams.

 
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Start Up Loans

Mama Bobo Africa

A Nigerian restaurant owner has been amazed at just how popular traditional African cuisine has become with Northern Ireland diners. Mama Bobo Africa thriving after receiving support from Start Up Loans.



Start Up Loans

ClelandRenwick

Learn how Alison McAtamney started their business ClelandRenwick with help from a loan from Start Up Loans.

Start Up Loans

Murphy Golf

Padraig Murphy, aged 24, is just one of the loan recipients in Northern Ireland aged under 25, who has taken his dream business and turned it into a reality.

Start Up Loans

Eagle Divers

Zee with help of Start up Loans opened up a scuba diving center in Northern Ireland offering scuba diving and snorkelling courses we offer activities such as water biking, paddle boarding and kayaking.

Start Up Loans

Vocus Vit

Vocus Vit offers premium activewear for ladies with a focus on sustainability. The range is made from recycled plastic bottles without compromising on comfort, fit and style. It’s founded by Omagh entrepreneur Sarah-Jane Murray. Sarah-Jane took out a loan of £10,000 to help fulfil her dream of launching sustainable activewear business.

Start Up Loans

Alchemist

Learn more about Alchemist, a specialty coffee shop in Northern Ireland.

Start Up Loans

Mama Claudia

In 2018, Claudia took out a loan of £3,300 to launch Mama Claudia, a carefully selected range of baby and children’s products for stress-free parenting.

Start Up Loans

Ballywilliam Barn

The recipient of the 600 millionth pound from the Start Up Loans programme was Will Smith, from County Down, who took out loans of £6,000.

Start Up Loans

The Smart Bunker

Niall Greenan, CEO of Greenans Products, was inspired to set up his business based on an innovative idea initially designed to help his arthritic mother fill a coal bucket from a coal bunker.

Start Up Loans

Plant & Play Wildlife Garden

Vikki Bustard had always wanted to be a teacher but had dreamt of teaching outside rather than in a traditional classroom situation. While working as a Horticultural Training Officer Vikki had the idea for Plant & Play Wildlife Garden and by chance she came across the perfect site to locate the business.