Every Start Up Loan comes with 12 months of free support once your loan is paid out. That includes up to four hours of one-to-one time with a mentor, plus online tools, webinars and discounts on business products and services.
One-to-one mentoring
- Up to four hours with an experienced mentor during your first 12 months.
- By phone, video, email or in person, as you agree with your mentor. In-person meetings aren't guaranteed.
- Optional, but worth it. You don't have to take it up, but it's free and many founders find it valuable.
A mentor helps you think through plans and decisions. They don't run your business, and they can't give debt advice.
Online tools and events
The scheme's mentoring service, run by Newable with UMi, includes:
- UMi Sat Nav, an online platform of business tools and resources, available any time
- live and on-demand webinars on running and growing a business
You can log in once your loan has been paid out.
Start Up Loans Rewards
A 12-month programme of discounts on business products and services, from software and payments to fuel cards and office supplies.
When it starts
Last reviewed: 8 October 2026