Probably not. Since 6 April 2026, a business can get a Start Up Loan if it has been trading for up to 60 months (five years). Before then the limit was 36 months, so if you were turned away for trading too long, you may now qualify.
What counts as trading
Trading means the business is regularly selling something: goods, services, or a trade or profession that brings in revenue. These don't count:
- the odd test sale while you check demand
- spending money on the business before it earns anything
So your trading start date is usually when regular sales began, not when you registered the business.
If you bought the business
The 60 months run from when you took it over, not from when it first started trading. A business that traded for years under its previous owner can still qualify, as long as you haven't owned it for more than 60 months. You'll need to provide its accounts, and if it's been losing money, your plan needs to show how you'll turn that round. See Can I use a Start Up Loan to buy a business or a franchise?.
Trading for more than 60 months?
A Start Up Loan isn't available. Established businesses can look at other finance instead. See our Business Growth Loans page.
For more on the 2026 changes, read UK Start Up Loans in 2026: rate, eligibility and second loans.
Last reviewed: 8 October 2026