Find organisations that offer loans and support to businesses in Portsmouth.

Loan providers and support services

Better Business Finance – help with business planning, accessing finance, and finding a mentor.

British Business Bank – a state-backed economic development bank that supports economic growth by simplifying access to finance for SMEs. It offers a loan guarantee scheme to facilitate lending to viable businesses.

Enterprise Business South – agents for the Virgin Start-Up loan scheme – £25,000 loan per director, up to £100,000. Loans can be as little as £1000 to qualify for 15 hours free mentoring for the first 12 months.

Fredericks Foundation – loans for disadvantaged people looking to start or grow their own business. Applicants must show they’ve been declined by mainstream lenders. Up to £10,000 for start-ups and £20,000 for established businesses

Funding Circle – loans for SMEs at competitive interest rates, funded by the British Business Bank.

Let’s Do Business – loan finance for start-ups and existing businesses unable to access mainstream finance.

King’s Trust – for young people aged 18-30 who want to become self-employed. Low interest loans up to £5,000, with additional one-to-one mentoring and training.

UnLtd – 50% of all funding and support packages are given to Black, Asian and minority ethnic social entrepreneurs, and/or disabled social entrepreneurs.

Contact us

For more information, contact our business support team by filling out the online form, calling 023 9284 1641, or emailing business@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.

For up-to-date information on funding schemes etc., sign up for our e-business bulletin or follow @PortsmouthBiz on X.

LinkedIn Portsmouth Economic Development & Skills.