Loans plan for young businesses is given a 
£30m boost

The Prime Minister said funding for the coalition’s Start-Up Loans scheme was being boosted by £30m to £110m over three years.

The age limit for applying was also being raised from 24 to 30 in response to “high demand”, according to Downing Street aides.

Number 10 insisted the initiative was on target to issue more than 2,500 loans by March – despite criticism that only a few hundred worth £1.5m have been finalised since it was formally launched last autumn.

Some 3,000 people are said to have registered an interest in the money and mentoring packages, which are only available in England and being delivered through charities such as The Prince’s Trust. Those whose business plans are deemed “robust” typically receive £2,500 which can be repaid over five years at a relatively low rate of interest.

Mr Cameron said: “Start-Up loans are an important part of my mission to back aspiration, and all those young people who want to work hard and get on in life, so this country competes and thrives in the global race.

“They are a great way to help this next generation of entrepreneurs get the financial help – and the confidence – to turn that spark of an idea, into a growing, thriving business.

“It is by backing our entrepreneurs and championing small business that we can drive forward and grow the economy, and equip this country for the highly competitive era we are in.”

James Caan, one of the Dragons in the BBC show and chairman of the scheme, said: “There has been a major shift in the way business is viewed by the public, and entrepreneurs are now seen as creative and exciting role models; and I am delighted to see that more and more young people are now looking to set up their own business.

“It is only with this renewed focus on youth entrepreneurship, that we will create more jobs and wealth and see the economy flourish once again.

“Start-Up Loans enable young people to harness their skills.”