If you’re ready to start or grow your new or early-stage business, Start Up Loans are designed to provide the finance and support you need to get moving.
In this article, we share how to apply for a Start Up Loan in 6 easy steps.
The Start Up Loan application process is straightforward, and you’ll be supported by a dedicated Business Advisor from SWIG Finance every step of the way.
Before you begin, you may find it helpful to learn more about the Start Up Loans programme, eligibility criteria, and what you’ll need to prepare for your Start Up Loan application.
Not quite ready to apply?
Read our complete guide:
1. Begin the Start Up Loan application process with SWIG Finance
If you meet the Start Up Loan eligibility criteria, complete the initial application form on our website or click apply to get started.
2. Register on the Start Up Loans website
You will be directed to the Start Up Loans website to begin the registration process. As part of this, you will be asked to provide some personal details and information about any State aid you have received in the past 36 months.
Once you have registered, you will receive an email with instructions on how to set up your online account and create a password. From there, you will be able to log in to the Start Up Loans customer portal and complete your application at your own pace.
3. Complete your application
You will continue your application through the Start Up Loans platform, providing personal and residential information to help assess your circumstances.
As part of the process:
- a personal credit check will be carried out to assess creditworthiness. The credit check is valid for 90 days from the date it’s completed
- your personal bank statements will be reviewed
- your business plan will be assessed to determine viability.
This helps assess affordability by reviewing your financial commitments, such as existing credit obligations and household expenditure.
You will also be asked to provide your personal bank details, which will be used to transfer funds if your application is successful.
4. Work with a Business Advisor
You will be supported by a Business Advisor from SWIG Finance, who will work with you to prepare your application, review your Business Plan and any key supporting documents, and ensure everything is ready for assessment.
Start Up Loans provides a range of templates and guidance to help you prepare your Business Plan and supporting documents.
Your Business Plan and supporting documents will be used to assess the strength and viability of your business, and to evaluate loan affordability.
Need help preparing your application?
If you’re still refining your business idea or preparing your plans, our guides on business plans, personal survival budgets, test trading and cashflow forecasting for start-ups can help you build a stronger application.
5. Submit your application for assessment
Once all required information and documentation is complete, your application will be submitted for a lending decision. Additional information may be requested during the assessment process.
6. Outcome, funding and Post Loan Support
If your application is successful, funds will be released following approval. You will instantly qualify for 12 months of free business support.
The time from starting an application to receiving an outcome typically takes up to 60 days, although this may vary depending on individual circumstances.
Are you ready to get started?
We understand that applying for finance can be daunting. Even more so if it’s your first time. And that’s why, when you apply via SWIG Finance, you’ll be assigned a dedicated Business Advisor to guide you through the process. Our team is here to help you submit the strongest application possible.
But don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what our customer said about their experience:
“Ellie was great – she believed in our idea, and that made us feel more confident. Until then, we’d only talked about the business within the family. For someone else to read about it and rate it was very special. She helped us to readjust the forecast, but said we’d done a good job on the plan.”
Ready to apply?
Visit our Start Up Loans webpage to take the next step.
About SWIG Finance
SWIG Finance is a people-based lender that provides loans and support to help smaller businesses in the South and West Country grow. We base our lending decisions on potential rather than collateral, which means that we can often support businesses when others can't.
We’re growing every year. In 2025/26, we lent £18.4m to 506 businesses, helping to create and secure over 1,134 jobs and generate £95.2m in social impact. Download the report here.
If you’d like an informal chat about your funding requirements, get in touch with our friendly and professional team to see how we can help: info@swigfinance.co.uk / 01872 227 930