Start Up Loans Distributes £140 Million to Entrepreneurs Over 50 Across the UK

Start‑Up Loans Powers Post‑50 Entrepreneurs in the UK

Since 2012, Start‑Up Loans—the brainchild of the British Business Bank—has disbursed over £140 million to savvy entrepreneurs aged 50 and above. That’s more than 13,400 loans, with an average of about £10,427 per business.

London is the Hot Spot

London alone has seen £21 million pumped into businesses run by people over 50.
2,320 loans issued, averaging £9,253 per company.
Since the first COVID‑19 lockdown, £10 million has flowed into London, totaling 722 loans (average £13,878 per business).

Nationwide Impact

Since April 2020, the UK has benefited from £64 million—4,664 loans, averaging £13,707 each.
This is a £2,600 uptick compared to the pre‑pandemic years.
In the last financial year (1 April 2023 – 31 March 2024), an additional £20 million was earmarked for the 50+ crowd.

Success Story: Eduardo Barreto

Eduardo, a 50‑plus business owner from Bermondsey, snagged a £10,000 loan in October 2023. He used the funds to produce a show at The Arcola Theatre through his company Boy Next Door.

“I started the company four years ago, but a health hiccup slowed things down. Now that I’m back on my feet, the loan let me focus on what I love—putting on great shows.”

“The loan was great, but what really mattered was meeting my mentor, Giuseppe. He’s been my rock, and I couldn’t have pressed the success button without his guidance. A huge thank you goes to him!”

“If you’re in your 50s and thinking of launching a venture, pick something you’re passionate about. Keep one foot in your dream world and the other in reality—you’ll find the sweet spot that wins.”

Why It Matters

“As Eduardo shows, it’s never too late to chase your business dreams,” says Richard Bearman, MD of Small Business Lending at Start‑Up Loans. “We’re here to help anyone with a solid idea get the financial backing it deserves. The post‑pandemic surge suggests that many 50‑plus entrepreneurs are re‑examining their goals and diving back in head‑first.”