What comes after a Start Up Loan?

Realistic next steps for UK founders who have used a Start Up Loan to launch.

**Quick Answer**

The most common progressions after a Start Up Loan are: (1) SEIS-backed angel investment, (2) a second Start Up Loan for affordable bridge capital, (3) Innovate UK Smart Grants for technical founders, and (4) Help to Grow: Management as the team scales past the founder.

**Typical Sequence**

1. Complete the 12-month mentoring period and demonstrate repayment discipline.
2. If technically ambitious, prepare HMRC Advance Assurance for an SEIS round.
3. If services / e-commerce, consider a second Start Up Loan and apply to local-growth-hub support.
4. Once trading is established, evaluate Help to Grow: Management for leadership and operational uplift.

**Readiness Signals**

- 12 consecutive months of on-time loan repayments.
- A credible 18-month plan that the next funder will recognise.
- For SEIS: a named lead investor soft-circled and Advance Assurance in flight.

**Common Mistakes**

- Going for VC or institutional debt before SEIS is exhausted.
- Treating the Start Up Loan as company debt — it is personal.

**Conservative Note**

Second-round availability and SEIS thresholds change periodically. Confirm current eligibility with the Start Up Loans Company and a SEIS-specialist accountant.