Top 10 Unsecured Business Loans for Startups in the UK
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Top 10 Unsecured Business Loans for Startups in the UK for 2025
For UK franchise buyers and operators, this guide compares loan ranges, APRs, and terms across leading providers, with a focus on eligibility and fit. prices accurate as of 2025-09-26.
1. Funding Agent
Funding Agent provides unsecured business loans with loan amounts up to £500,000 and APR as low as 6.9%. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 6.9%
- Max APR: 8.9%
- Min Duration: 0 months
- Max Duration: 0 months
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans, Working Capital Loans
Pros
- Fast processing
- High loan amounts
- Competitive APR
Cons
- Limited to unsecured loans
Sources:
2. Nucleus Commercial Finance
Nucleus Commercial Finance provides tailored business finance solutions, offering unsecured loans from £10,000 to £2 million with APRs starting at 9%. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £2,000,000
- Min APR: 9%
- Max APR: 18%
- Min Duration: 0 months
- Max Duration: 0 months
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans
Pros
- Flexible terms
- High maximum loan amount
Cons
- APR can be high
Sources: https://www.nucleuscommercialfinance.com
3. iwoca
iwoca Specialising in short-term, unsecured lending, iwoca serves SMEs with loans up to £1 million and flexible repayment terms. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £1,000,000
- Min APR: 6%
- Max APR: 49%
- Min Duration: 0 months
- Max Duration: 0 months
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans
Pros
- Flexible repayments
- Quick decision time
- No early repayment fees
Cons
- High APR for some clients
Sources: https://www.iwoca.co.uk
4. Barclays
Barclays provides a variety of unsecured business loans with fixed and variable rate options, offering loans from £1,000 to £100,000. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £100,000
- Min APR: 11.2%
- Max APR: 14.9%
- Min Duration: 0 months
- Max Duration: 0 months
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans
Pros
- Established lender
- Flexible terms
Cons
- Strict eligibility criteria
Sources: https://www.barclays.co.uk
5. Lloyds Bank
Lloyds Bank supports SMEs with unsecured loans up to £50,000, providing a range of financial services with a focus on flexibility. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £50,000
- Min APR: 11.2%
- Max APR: 15%
- Min Duration: 0 months
- Max Duration: 0 months
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans
Pros
- Personalised service
- Focus on sustainable businesses
Cons
- Limited loan maximum
Sources: https://www.lloydstsb.co.uk
6. NatWest
NatWest NatWest offers unsecured business loans for SMEs with a focus on quick access to funds and digital customer experience. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £100,000
- Min APR: 10%
- Max APR: 15%
- Min Duration: 0 months
- Max Duration: 0 months
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans
Pros
- Digital services
- Quick loan disbursement
Cons
- Higher minimum loan amounts
Sources: https://www.natwest.com
7. MAF Finance Group
MAF Finance Group Offering a broad range of financial solutions, MAF Finance Group provides unsecured business loans up to £2 million with flexible repayments. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £2,000,000
- Min APR: 0%
- Max APR: 0%
- Min Duration: 0 months
- Max Duration: 0 months
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans
Pros
- Variety of financial solutions
- Large loan amounts
Cons
- Lack of transparent APR information
Sources: https://maffinancegroup.co.uk
8. Virgin StartUp
Virgin StartUp Virgin StartUp provides government-backed start-up loans of up to £25,000, along with mentoring and support. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £500
- Max Amount: £25,000
- Min APR: 6.2%
- Max APR: 6.2%
- Min Duration: 0 months
- Max Duration: 0 months
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans
Pros
- Mentorship offered
- Government-backed
Cons
- Limit on loan size
Sources:
9. Start Up Loans Company
Start Up Loans Company , Owned by business bank offers personal loans for business purposes up to £25,000, with a fixed interest rate and free mentoring sessions. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £500
- Max Amount: £25,000
- Min APR: 6.2%
- Max APR: 6.2%
- Min Duration: 0 months
- Max Duration: 0 months
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Personal Business Loans
Pros
- Fixed interest rates
- Free mentoring
Cons
- Personal loan structure
Sources:
10. British Business Bank
British Business Bank provides financial assistance through partnered resources for startups, offering unsecured loans up to £25,000. Here's what to know:
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £1,000
- Max Amount: £25,000
- Min APR: 6%
- Max APR: 20%
- Min Duration: 0 months
- Max Duration: 0 months
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans
Pros
- Strong government support
- Focus on startups
Cons
- Limited amount per startup
Sources:
How to choose
Match loan size and APR to your budget, check eligibility, and balance speed against flexibility. Consider how repayments fit your franchise cash flow and seasonality. Review lender criteria, fees, and early repayment terms before applying.
Conclusion
Funding Agent is a strong choice for SMEs that want quick comparisons across multiple options. Other providers suit larger amounts, asset-backed needs, or sector specialisms. Always confirm current costs and terms with the lender; pricing may change.
