Most mobile catering businesses start small and self-funded, which is one of the trade’s biggest attractions: you can be trading from a £2,000 gazebo setup. But if you need a hand getting going, there is real help out there: government-backed start-up loans, grants for younger founders, and free local business support. Here are the options worth knowing, with honest notes on who each suits.
UK start-up funding at a glance
The headline numbers for a new caterer looking to raise a little money:
Sources: British Business Bank / Start Up Loans; The King’s Trust. Correct June 2026, check the provider for current terms.
The government Start Up Loan
The Start Up Loan is a government-backed personal loan for new businesses, run through the British Business Bank. You can apply to borrow between £500 and £25,000 at a fixed 6% (rising to 7.5% for applications from April 2026), repayable over one to five years, and successful applicants get 12 months of free mentoring on top. It is unsecured and one of the most accessible routes for a new caterer who cannot or does not want to use a high-street bank loan. Apply via Start Up Loans or read the detail at the British Business Bank.
The King’s Trust (if you are under 30)
If you are aged roughly 16 to 30, The King’s Trust (formerly The Prince’s Trust) offers a start-up grant of up to £5,000 that you do not repay, alongside low-interest start-up loans and mentoring. It is aimed at young people who would struggle to fund a business otherwise, and it is well worth a look if you qualify. See King’s Trust funding.
Free local business support
The National Enterprise Network connects start-ups and small businesses to local enterprise-support agencies across the UK, much of their advice free. It is a good first stop to find someone local who can point you to grants and help in your area.
Government grants finder
The official GOV.UK business finance support finder lists grants, loans and schemes by your location and business type. Council grants come and go, so check yours directly too, as many offer small start-up grants or low-interest loans.
Business angels (for bigger ambitions)
If you are planning something bigger than a single van, business angels invest money in exchange for a share of the business, plus their experience and contacts. The UK Business Angels Association is the place to start, though for most mobile caterers this is more than you will need.
What to do next
Be proactive and try a few of these. There is likely an option for most situations, and your local council is always worth a call. First, work out what you actually need with our startup costs guide. If you know of funding we have missed, let us know and we will add it.
This page is general information, not financial advice. Figures and rates are correct as of June 2026 and can change, so check the official sources linked here for current terms.
A 15 second look at the Startup Cost Calculator inside the MobCater app
Budget it properly before you spend a penny
Most people guess what starting costs, and find out the hard way. The app’s Startup Cost Calculator itemises the lot for your setup, vehicle, kit, gas checks, insurance, licences and working capital, and saves your figures so the plan sharpens as real prices come in.
Try the Startup Cost CalculatorCalculators come with the Toolkit (£5.99/mo) · the 12-step guide is free forever, no card needed
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a grant to start a mobile catering business?
There is no single catering grant, but options exist: the King's Trust offers under-30s a grant up to £5,000, many councils run small start-up grants, and the GOV.UK finance finder lists schemes by area. Most caterers combine modest savings with a Start Up Loan.
What is the government Start Up Loan?
A government-backed personal loan of £500 to £25,000 for new businesses, at a fixed 6% (7.5% from April 2026) over one to five years, with 12 months of free mentoring. Run through the British Business Bank.
How do most people fund a catering startup?
Mobile catering is low-cost to enter (from around £2,000), so many self-fund or borrow modestly from family. Others use a government Start Up Loan or a council grant. Work out your costs first, then choose the smallest borrowing that covers them.