Answer

Do I qualify for a business loan if I just started trading?

You may qualify sooner than you expect — even a few months of evidenced trading can be enough for a modest facility. Just-started companies borrow on bank statements and current income rather than filed accounts. The amount will be conservative, but the door is open.

2 min read

Possibly yesearly trading counts
Bank datastands in
Modest firstbuilds up

Early trading is assessable

You do not need a full year of accounts. A few months of consistent receipts through the business account, plus a realistic view of the pipeline, gives a lender enough to work with — especially if the directors know the trade.

Setting expectations

Facilities at this stage are usually small and priced for uncertainty. That is sensible: borrowing lightly early, repaying cleanly, then coming back for more builds a track record and unlocks larger, cheaper borrowing. Read the startup finance guide.

Applying

Gather 3-6 months of statements, size it with the turnover affordability tool, and apply online.

Frequently asked questions

How soon after starting can I apply?

Once you have a few months of evidenced income through the business account, you can usually apply for a modest facility. Sooner than that, there is little to assess.

Will a just-started business get a small loan only?

Typically yes at first — the amount grows as your trading record does. Borrowing lightly and repaying well is the fastest route to larger facilities.

Funding for UK limited companies

Credicorp lends to your company, not to you personally — short-term working capital with no personal guarantee. See what your business could access.