Yes. Having a job doesn't stop you applying for a Start Up Loan. Lots of people start their business alongside employment and go full-time once it's established.
How your job affects your application
- It can help affordability. Your salary goes into your personal survival budget, alongside your living costs and the loan repayments.
- Your plan should be realistic about time. If you're running the business part-time at first, your forecast should reflect the hours you can actually put in.
- Say when you plan to go full-time, and what has to happen first, for example reaching a certain level of sales.
Things to check first
- Your employment contract, for any rules about second jobs or competing work.
- Your tax position. If you're starting to trade as self-employed, you may need to register with HMRC.
For more detail, read Starting a business while employed.
Last reviewed: 8 October 2026