Access To
Business Finance
Fund your Business
Access Start-Up and Scale-up Finance
If you’re considering self-employment or starting a business, the likelihood is that you will need funding at some point. X-Forces Enterprise is the British Business Bank’s Specialist Business Support Partner for the Armed Forces community, facilitating access to government-backed Start Up Loans.
Accessible Funds
Start Up Loans Specialist Business Support Partner
In 2013, X-Forces Enterprise worked with Government to change policy to make Start Up Loans accessible to the Armed Forces community, and since then, has been the exclusive Armed Forces Community Business Support Partner for the British Business Bank, enabling entrepreneurs to access Start Up Loan finance to get their business idea off the ground.
Start Up Loans is a Government-backed scheme which provides fixed-interest personal loans and mentoring support to aspiring business owners. Administered by the British Business Bank, the scheme supports employment, enables economic growth, and has a transformational impact on the lives of thousands of people.
Government-Backed
The Benefits of a Start Up Loan
- Borrow from £500 - £25000 (average loan amount of £11,000)
- Fixed interest rate of 6% per annum
- Repay the loan over a term of 1 – 5 years
- 12 months’ free mentoring once you receive a loan
- No fees for arranging the loan or repaying it back early
- Access to free events and workshops
- Dedicated Business Advisor
Start Up Loan Eligibility
A Start Up Loan is an unsecured personal loan for business purposes and therefore you don’t need a trading history. However, because the Start Up Loans Company is a responsible lender, they will need to conduct a credit check in order to process your application. You will also need to confirm that you are eligible, based on the following criteria:
- You’re 18 years of age or older
- You’re a current UK resident
- You’re starting a new business or have been trading for up to 36 months
- You’re unable to secure finance from other sources (self-declaration is ok)
- Your business is based in the UK
- You have the right to work in the UK
- Your type of business and loan purpose is eligible under the terms of the scheme
- You pass the credit checks and you can afford to repay the loan
- If you are applying for a second Start Up Loan then your business has to have been trading for less than five years
Start Up Loans - Frequently Asked Questions
The Start Up Loan Application Process
X-Forces Enterprise is a Specialist Business Support Partner for the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans scheme. Applying is simple: after submitting your initial application, you’ll be matched with a Business Advisor to assist with your business plan and guide you through the process.
Despite it being my first year, my business has really grown. I genuinely appreciate the help I’ve been given and it’s not wasted on me that you’ve helped me get a loan when others wouldn’t due to the age of my business. Thank you!
XFE Start Up Loan Recipient
Start Up Loan Repayment Calculator
Use our loan repayment calculator tool to illustrate what your total and monthly repayments will be, depending on the loan term and amount you choose.
How much would you like to borrow?
How long would you like to borrow it for?
Monthly Payment £88.81
Total Repayment £2,131.50
Begin your Start Up Loan Application
If you need support in completing this form, or have a question about applying for a Start Up Loan, contact the XFE team.
Second Start Up Loans
If you have previously had a Start Up Loan through XFE and have been trading for more than 6 months but less than 5 years, you may be eligible for a second loan to help you grow your business.
To be considered you will need to provide an updated Personal Survival Budget, Actual Business Cash Flow covering the last 6 months of trading, a 12-month Cash Flow Forecast & three months of consecutive business-related bank statements.
How Much Can You Borrow?
An individual may have a total outstanding balance of £25,000 at any one time. So if you borrowed £15,000 for your first Start Up Loan and have now repaid £5,000 then, provided you meet all of the other eligibility criteria, you are able to apply for a Second Loan of up to £15,000.
As you will need to demonstrate that you can afford the ongoing repayment on your first loan and the new repayments on your second loan, your Business Advisor will work with you to ensure that your final loan amount matches your needs and does not overburden you.
Please note, we can lend a maximum of £100,000 to any one business so if you and your business partners have already borrowed up to this threshold between you, you will not be eligible to apply for further finance.
If you are eligible for a Second Start Up Loan this option will be available to you in the British Business Bank Customer Portal.
Additional Funding Options
Finance for Forces
Looking for business growth finance over £25K? XFE works with Finance for Forces, a specialist broker for Armed Forces entrepreneurs. They combine market expertise with community insight to find the right solution for you.
Finance Hub
From business loans and grants to equity finance, there are a range of different types of finance available to UK businesses. The British Business Bank explains your options on their Finance Hub.
Grant Funding
The Government Portal provides information on grants and many other types of funding for small business owners.
The Forces Community Entrepreneur Fund
Funding for the Armed Forces Community to support you start, establish and grow your business.
NatWest Accelerator Pitch competition
NatWest Accelerator has been helping businesses get going and growing for 10 years. Pitch your business to win.
