Often, yes. A Start Up Loan can help with a small purchase, and a Growth Guarantee Scheme facility can be one layer in a larger deal. Several of our acquisition deals have included a £25,000 government-scheme layer alongside a specialist facility.
Start Up Loans
- £500 to £25,000 per person, as a personal loan. Partners can each apply, up to £100,000 per business.
- You can buy an existing business as long as you haven't personally owned it for more than 60 months, even if it traded for longer under its previous owner.
- You'll need the target's accounts, and your plan must address any losses.
See Can I use a Start Up Loan to buy a business or a franchise?
The Growth Guarantee Scheme
- Can support any legitimate business purpose, and buying a business isn't excluded. Each accredited lender applies its own credit policy to acquisitions.
- Gives the lender a 70% guarantee on facilities of up to £2 million, which can unlock a yes on a deal just outside standard policy.
- Is one layer of the stack, alongside vendor finance and your own money.
- Leaves you liable for the full loan. The guarantee protects the lender, not you.
See What is the Growth Guarantee Scheme?
Last reviewed: 8 October 2026