Over ten million pounds of funding has been provided to assist new business launches in Oxfordshire.
Business owners in the county have obtained this financing through the Start Up Loans programme since its 2012 introduction, with more than 850 entrepreneurs receiving support to date.
The government-backed initiative, operated through the British Business Bank, has distributed over £150 million to South East founders, representing approximately one-tenth of the 127,000 Start Up Loans issued throughout Britain.
Blair McDougall, the Small Business Minister, stated that the South East contains some of Britain’s most talented and forward-thinking entrepreneurs, and that Start Up Loans are ensuring they can access necessary financing to achieve their goals. He described this as a significant achievement for the programme, which has helped thousands of South East entrepreneurs while strengthening businesses, employment, and economic growth.
Oxfordshire enterprises have collectively received £10.56 million to launch their ventures, while almost £20 million was provided in 2025 alone to help entrepreneurs expand their operations.
The Start Up Loans scheme aims to support a wide range of founders, with 40 percent of loans in the South East going to women entrepreneurs, 18 percent to those who were previously out of work, and 11 percent to founders under 25.
Louise McCoy, managing director of Start Up Loans Products at the British Business Bank, stated that the South East is a hub for British enterprise, and this milestone demonstrates the programme’s impact in the region. She noted that with over 1,600 loans taken out in the previous year, South East founders continue to demonstrate both willingness and capability to transform their business ambitions into reality.
Gareth Parker, co-founder of Bombo Doughnuts in Margate, successfully grew his business with Start Up Loans support. He and his partner used a combined £42,900 in loans to purchase equipment and secure a retail location. Their company subsequently obtained a contract to supply doughnuts to the Emirates Stadium and has expanded through temporary outlets, markets, and events.
Kareinn, a technology firm established with £30,000 in Start Up Loans funding, grew to employ 18 people before being purchased. Eric Kihlstrom, one of the founders, stated that they successfully expanded and exited the business, and this would not have been possible without the Start Up Loan.
The British Business Bank intends to expand its support for regional entrepreneurship, pledging £2.6 billion in capital to help founders throughout the UK access finance, including £350 million for new investment funds in the East of England and South East.