250,000 jobs created and supported by small businesses backed by Start Up Loans
New data released today shows the Start Up Loans programme has helped create or support more than 249,000 jobs across the UK, as businesses funded by the government-backed British Business Bank programme have gone on to hire, grow and contribute to local economies.
The latest Start Up Loans data demonstrates the vital role the programme plays in supporting entrepreneurs from all backgrounds across the UK. In 2025/26, Start Up Loans supported businesses across a wide range of sectors, with hairdressing and beauty businesses receiving almost 700 of the 11,520 loans issued during the year. Hospitality, fitness, food and drink, and e-commerce businesses also featured prominently among those benefiting from the programme’s funding and support.
The data shows Start Up Loans is helping entrepreneurs of all ages start and grow businesses. Among founders under 30, loans were most commonly used to launch customer-facing businesses such as fitness, hospitality and retail ventures. Meanwhile, older entrepreneurs were more likely to use the programme to establish businesses drawing on their professional expertise, including management consultancy, software development, and educational support services.
These findings highlight the breadth of entrepreneurs being supported by Start Up Loans, providing access to finance that enables people at different stages of life and from diverse professional backgrounds to start businesses, create jobs, and contribute to economic growth in communities across the UK.
The 2026 ambassadors and Pass It On advice from famous entrepreneurs
The figures are announced as the owners of 14 small businesses are named as the 2026 Start Up Loans ambassadors, an annual initiative now in its 14th year celebrating founders who have used a loan to turn their business ideas into reality.
The ambassadors are this year being given encouragement and backing from other successful entrepreneurs including:
Virgin Group founder and supporter of Virgin StartUp, Sir Richard Branson, who has told smaller business owners to “delegate as much as you can” and “surround themselves with people who are better than them and let them get on with it. Don’t second guess people and let them create magic.”
Other successful entrepreneurs who have lent their voice to support the ambassadors are the co-founders of: DASH Water, Oddbox and Magic AI.
Co-founder of DASH Water, Alex Wright, offers encouragement, advising: “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there – start small, get feedback, iterate, and go again. It’s the same model Eric Ries sets out in The Lean Startup, and it’s served us well at DASH.”
Emilie Vanpoperinghe, CEO and co-founder of Oddbox also has advice to smaller business owners: “The strongest brands feel authentic. If what you do consistently matches what you believe, people actually feel that and over time that will build a strong brand. So, I encourage the Start Up Loans ambassadors to be authentic and to be intentional and consistent with what they do with their business.”
Varun Bhanot, the co-founder and CEO of MAGIC AI added: “My number one piece of advice for anyone starting a business is you’re going to need grit more than anything, you’ll need it more than being smart, being talented. You need grit. If you work the hardest, you stick at it and you have grit you’ll be just fine.”
This year’s ambassadors cohort reflects the diversity of businesses being built across the UK, with founders responding to changing consumer tastes, sustainability challenges, local community needs and new technology opportunities.
Of the ambassadors, 12 represent each of the UK’s Nations and regions. The businesses include:
- Flyber, an East Midlands advanced manufacturing aerospace technology business developing composite blades for drones and next-generation electric aircraft
- Period Harmony, a London-based female-health business that creates doctor-formulated, drug-free period relief products and educational content about periods
- Ashlia, an award-winning fashion rental boutique in the Scottish Highlands
- Eden in the Wilde, a luxury reusable floral business in the North West
- RKB Boxing, a women-only boxing gym in Wales
Two additional ambassadors have also been selected from specialist groups supported by Start Up Loans. Gen Z ambassador Mariam Sesay, 26, founded MyHapii, a plant-powered, Sierra Leonean-inspired haircare brand designed for afro-textured and curly hair. Former Army surveyor Tim Jervis, founder of Salt Pig Sandwiches in York, represents the Armed Forces community with a business bringing fresh-baked bread, quality fillings, and bold sauces to the traditional sandwich.
To date, young entrepreneurs (18-24) have received more than £135m in Start Up Loan funding, while members of the Armed Forces community have received close to £70m from nearly 6,000 Start Up Loans.
Louise McCoy, managing director, Start Up Loans, British Business Bank said: “This year’s ambassadors represent the very best of UK entrepreneurship and Start Up Loans is proud to support founders from every devolved nation and region, helping them to take their first steps into business. Over the coming year, they will share their experiences, insight, and advice to inspire the next generation of founders, helping more people turn their ambitions into successful businesses.”
Minister for Small Business and Enterprise Lord Leong said: “Start Up Loans have helped more than 100,000 entrepreneurs turn bold ideas into real businesses. Behind every business is a founder who took a chance – and the jobs created show how far that ambition can go with the right support.
“This success is a tribute to our determined founders, inspiring ambassadors, and the British Business Bank. I congratulate everyone involved. Giving entrepreneurs the chance to succeed creates opportunities that reach far beyond any one business, benefiting families, communities, and the wider economy.”