No. You don't need a deposit to get a Start Up Loan. There's also no security to offer and no guarantor to find.
What you need to show instead
- A plan that works: your business plan and cash flow forecast show the business can carry the loan.
- That you can afford it: your personal survival budget shows you can cover your living costs and the repayments.
- A credit check as part of the formal application. See Will applying affect my credit score?.
If you're putting in some money of your own
That's fine. Include it in your plan so the assessment can see the full funding picture. It isn't a requirement.
Unsecured doesn't mean risk-free
It's still a personal loan, and you're responsible for repaying it even if the business stops trading. See Is a Start Up Loan a personal loan? Do I need security or a guarantor?.
Last reviewed: 8 October 2026