New data shows significant increase in people taking on finance to start or grow a business
New data from the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme, which provides finance and support to start up and early-stage businesses, shows a strong year-on-year increase in the volume and value of early-stage finance being accessed.
In July 2026 the Start Up Loans programme provided UK business owners with £14.6m of finance compared to £12.8m in July 2025 – a 14.2% increase in finance to smaller businesses, nearly double the rate of increase between July 2024 and July 2025 (+7.3%).
The programme’s volume of loans achieved a very similar rate of growth in July 2026 versus the corresponding month in 2025, increasing by 14.8%, with 1,149 Start Up Loans helping businesses either start or grow.
The increase in finance delivered by Start Up Loans is all the more noteworthy as it comes against a mixed picture for business confidence, with ICAEW and Institute of Directors trackers showing recent dips.
Start Up Loans continues to support more businesses across the length and breadth of the UK. Since its inception around 70% of the finance has been delivered outside of London and the South East.
A wide variety of businesses are supported by the programme. Some recipients of loans in July 2026 include:
- Clyde Coast Saunas – a wood-fired outdoor saunas operator at coastal and estate locations in Scotland, offering social sessions, private hire and wellness experiences
- A PURR-FECT CATCH – a new fishmonger retail shop in Weston-super-Mare
- West Oak Joinery – a designer, manufacturer and installer of bespoke joinery for commercial and residential clients where?
- Leako Leak Detection – a plumbing contractor specialising in leak detection
Louise McCoy, managing director, Start Up Loans, British Business Bank:“The data we are seeing at Start Up Loans suggests entrepreneurs are if anything more focused than ever on starting or growing their business. This is a strongly positive sign. This July, we’ve seen 148 more loans provided to support businesses starting up or funding early-stage growth compared to July in 2025, with momentum building significantly over the past two years.
“It’s great to see a diversity of business owners and business types among the Start Up Loans recipients in every part of the UK, from a new fishmonger to a joinery business.”