Gen Zs steering their own course
By Susan McKane, Senior Manager, UK Network - Northern Ireland, British Business Bank
The Northern Ireland way is to make it yourself.
We don’t wait for others to give us a leg up – we take action ourselves, especially when it comes to business and innovation.
This part of the world has a proud entrepreneurial spirit which has been the foundation for many of our industries including shipping and textiles. And it’s a spirit which remains today as Belfast continues to cement its global reputation as a centre of excellence in areas such as life sciences, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, fintech and green technology.
With 98% of our business population being small or micro-enterprises there are plenty of examples of people who grabbed an opportunity for themselves.
Now, new data released by the Start Up Loans programme (part of the British Business Bank) reveals that this tradition is continuing with Gen Z across Northern Ireland, as more young people favour being their own boss.
Data from the Bank’s Start Up Loans programme shows that, in 2025, Gen Z founders received a substantial 15% of all loans delivered here.
The number of loans taken out by young business founders in 2025 rose by more than 10% compared to the previous year. Local Gen Z founders secured more than £588,000 in funding, an annual rise of 53%.
It’s not just the ambition to launch their own business that is driving these figures. The job market is tough at the moment, with UK statistics revealing there can be a record 140 applications per graduate vacancy –the highest level for 30 years.
No matter what is driving Gen Zs to grab business opportunities, it will be possible if they have access to the right kind of finance and support to help them start up and scale up.
Without a proven track record and often with lower levels of savings, it can be hard to get the right finance, no matter how good your business plan is.
Start Up Loans exists to fill these market gaps and we are proud of the work we have done to help younger people start businesses in every corner of Northern Ireland.
With fixed interest on government-backed loans up to £25,000 and across five-year terms, Start Up Loans also come with the opportunity to receive free business mentoring, support that could really help founders with limited experience.
Like Northern Ireland’s entrepreneurial spirit, the Start Up Loans programme is becoming part of the fabric of the financial ecosystem here.
Last year there was more good news for the initiative with the UK Government announcing that Start Up Loans will be expanding, providing more than £1bn of extra lending.
For Gen Z-ers determined to make it themselves, support and finance is available to get you started.
For more information, please visit: https://www.startuploans.co.uk/