If you think you're going to miss a repayment, contact our finance partner straight away, before the payment is due. The sooner they know, the more options there are.
Who to contact
Your repayments go to our finance partner, and their contact details are in your loan agreement. See How do repayments work, and who do I pay? for how repayments work. bizbritain doesn't collect repayments, but if you're unsure who to call, ring us on 0800 870 8739 and we'll point you in the right direction.
Free, independent debt advice
If money is tight more generally, these services give free, confidential advice:
- National Debtline: for personal debts.
- Business Debtline: for self-employed people and small businesses.
- Citizens Advice
- StepChange
- MoneyHelper
Your bizbritain advisor and your mentor can't give debt advice, but they can point you to these services. Be wary of companies that charge for debt help when free advice is available.
What happens if payments are missed
- Our finance partner will try to contact you to agree a way forward.
- Missed payments are reported to the credit reference agencies and will affect your personal credit record.
- If payments stay unpaid and you don't respond, the debt can be passed to a collection agency, or the provider can take legal action, which may lead to a County Court Judgment.
Still have to repay if the business stops?
Yes. A Start Up Loan is a personal loan, so it has to be repaid even if the business stops trading. See Is a Start Up Loan a personal loan? Do I need security or a guarantor?.
If you get a letter about missed payments
Don't ignore it. Respond using the contact details on the letter, even if you can't pay in full yet.
Last reviewed: 8 October 2026