Startup Business Loan Sweden

Startup business loans in Sweden can give your new company the push it needs — whether you’re building an app, opening a shop, or going solo as a freelancer. Even without years of revenue or assets, it’s possible to get funding to launch and grow.

We show you where to find startup-friendly lenders, what they look for, and how to apply — even if your business is just getting started.

What Is a Startup Business Loan?

A startup business loan is a type of financing designed for companies in their early stages — typically within the first 0 to 24 months of operation. Unlike traditional business loans that require a financial track record, startup loans focus on your business idea, growth potential, and founder’s personal credit.

These loans are used to fund everything from product development and marketing to inventory, equipment, or hiring. In Sweden, startup loans are often unsecured, meaning you don’t need to provide collateral — though many lenders require a personal guarantee.

Because startups present higher risk, loan amounts are usually limited to SEK 50,000 to 500,000, with shorter repayment terms and higher interest rates than loans for established businesses. Still, they’re a practical way to launch your company without giving up equity or waiting months for external investment.

Can You Get a Business Loan as a Startup in Sweden?

Yes — it’s possible to get a business loan in Sweden even if your company is newly started and has little or no revenue. Most lenders define a startup as a business that’s been operating for less than 24 months, though some may consider companies under 12 months to be early-stage. Whether you’re registered as an AB, enskild firma, or HB, your startup can qualify for financing under the right conditions.

While traditional banks may be reluctant, state-backed lenders like ALMI and several online platforms offer startup loans based on your business plan, market potential, and personal creditworthiness. These loans are typically smaller in size — from SEK 50,000 to 500,000 — and may require a personal guarantee from the founder, especially if there’s no revenue or collateral.

A loan is often preferred over external investors when you want to keep full ownership and control. It’s especially relevant for startups with a clear revenue model, early customer interest, or lower capital needs. However, keep in mind that loans must be repaid regardless of your business performance, which means taking on personal risk — particularly when no limited liability is in place or when you’re required to co-sign.

Choosing between secured vs unsecured loans matters too. Most startups will not have assets to offer as security, so unsecured loans — or state-supported alternatives — are often the only viable path. That said, the less risk a lender takes, the higher the interest rate and the more important your personal financial profile becomes.

Best Types of Startup Loans

Startups in Sweden have access to several types of financing — each with different approval criteria, risk levels, and payout speeds. Some are designed specifically for early-stage businesses, while others are general-purpose loans that accept startups with limited history. Below is a comparison of the most relevant options.

Startup Loan Comparison Table

Loan Type	Secured?	Loan Amount	Approval Time	Best For
ALMI Startup Loan	Sometimes	SEK 50,000 – 500,000	5–10 business days	Early-stage startups
Unsecured Online Loan	No	SEK 50,000 – 300,000	1–3 business days	Fast cash, simple application
Personal Business Loan	No	SEK 20,000 – 200,000	1–5 business days	Sole proprietors and self-funded setups
Government Grant	N/A	Varies (non-repayable)	Weeks to months	Innovation, R&D, job creation projects

ALMI Startup Loan

ALMI is Sweden’s main public startup lender. Their startup loans are aimed at early-stage businesses that can’t access bank financing. Approval is based on your business plan, market potential, and personal credibility. While collateral isn’t always required, a personal guarantee usually is. Interest rates are moderate, and loans are often paired with free business advisory services.

Pros: Accessible for new businesses, no revenue required, support included
Cons: Slower approval, detailed documentation needed

Unsecured Online Loan

Several fintech lenders in Sweden offer unsecured loans to startups with simple online applications, fast processing, and minimal paperwork. While revenue is often required, some accept projected income or client contracts as proof of viability. These loans come with higher interest rates and lower caps but are ideal when speed is crucial.

Pros: Fast approval, no collateral, minimal friction
Cons: Higher cost, stricter repayment terms

Personal Business Loan

Founders without business credit or company revenue sometimes take out a personal loan for business use. These are offered by banks and online lenders based on your personal income and credit score. They don’t require business financials but place the legal liability on you personally.

Pros: No business history required, fast payout
Cons: Personal debt risk, usually smaller loan amounts

Government Grant

For startups working on innovation, sustainability, or regional development, Sweden offers various non-repayable grants through programs like Vinnova or Tillväxtverket. These are not loans but can be used alongside them to reduce total funding needs. They often require collaboration, co-funding, or measurable impact.

Pros: Free capital, supports innovation
Cons: Competitive, slow process, limited eligibility

Interest Rates for Startup Loans in Sweden

Interest rates for startup loans in Sweden tend to be higher than for established businesses — mainly because lenders take on more risk. Most startup loans fall within an annual interest rate range of 5% to 12%, but rates can go higher depending on whether the loan is unsecured, the lender type, and your personal credit.

ALMI, Sweden’s state-backed lender, typically offers startup loans with rates between 5% and 9%. These rates are considered moderate and reflect ALMI’s mission to support early-stage businesses that can’t get funding from banks.

Online lenders offering unsecured startup loans often charge higher rates, typically 8% to 15%+, to compensate for the lack of financial history or collateral. These loans are faster to access but come with stricter repayment schedules and shorter terms.

Here’s how rates compare across common options.

Startup Loan Interest Rate Overview

Loan Type	Interest Rate (Annual)	Secured?	Notes
ALMI Startup Loan	5% – 9%	Sometimes	Moderate rates; requires business plan
Unsecured Online Loan	8% – 15%+	No	Higher cost, fast payout
Personal Business Loan	6% – 12%	No	Based on personal credit, not business profile
Vinnova / Grants	0%	N/A	Non-repayable support for R&D and innovation

When comparing offers, always look at the APR (annual percentage rate), which includes all fees and setup charges — not just the base interest. Also check if early repayment is allowed without penalties, as this can save you money if your business scales faster than expected.

What Do Lenders Look For in a Startup?

Before offering funding, lenders assess a range of factors to determine if your startup is viable — even if you have no revenue yet.

• Business plan and financial forecast
• Personal credit score and credit history
• Industry experience and founder background
• Early traction or signed contracts
• Personal guarantee and willingness to share risk

Since startups lack historical financial data, the strength of your business plan becomes the most important factor. It should clearly explain your business model, market strategy, pricing, and how you plan to make money. A credible plan signals that you’ve done the groundwork — and that you’re not just testing an idea.

Lenders also review your personal background. Experience in the industry you’re entering, past entrepreneurial activity, or a proven track record in leadership helps reduce perceived risk.

In the absence of business credit, your personal credit score plays a central role. Clean payment history and low debt improve your chances — especially for unsecured loans. If your credit is weak, lenders may either reject the application or charge a higher interest rate.

Demonstrating early traction, such as signed customer agreements, pre-orders, or pilot projects, is another strong signal. It shows the market is already responding to what you’re building — even if you haven’t launched fully.

Finally, most lenders require a personal guarantee, making you legally responsible for the loan. While this adds personal risk, it also reassures the lender that you’re committed and have skin in the game.

How to Apply for a Startup Business Loan

Applying for a startup loan in Sweden is different from applying as an established business. Without financial history, your preparation and documentation matter more. Here’s how to go from idea to funding.

Steps to apply

1. Define your funding need and loan type
2. Prepare a strong business plan and budget
3. Choose a lender suited for startups
4. Collect required documents
5. Submit your application
6. Review the offer and sign

1. Define your funding need and loan type

Start by deciding how much money you need and what it will be used for — equipment, product development, marketing, or working capital. This helps you choose the right loan type and makes your application more credible. Most startup loans range from SEK 50,000 to 500,000.

2. Prepare a strong business plan and budget

Since you don’t have revenue yet, your business plan is your proof of potential. It should clearly show your value proposition, market, pricing, and revenue model. Include a 12–24 month budget with sales forecasts, costs, and break-even analysis. Lenders want to see that your startup has a realistic path to profitability.

3. Choose a lender suited for startups

Not all lenders accept new businesses. Focus on startup-friendly options like ALMI, select fintech platforms, or banks with special products for entrepreneurs. Compare offers in terms of approval speed, interest rate, and personal guarantee requirements.

4. Collect required documents

Typical documents for startup loans include:

• Business registration (organisationsnummer)
• Business plan and financial forecast
• Personal ID and credit report
• CV or background info on founders
• Any signed contracts, pre-orders, or agreements

Public lenders like ALMI may also ask for ownership structure and projected cash flow.

5. Submit your application

Applications are usually submitted online or through a lender portal. For ALMI and banks, you may need an advisory meeting first. Be clear about your funding purpose and attach all relevant documents from the start to avoid delays.

6. Review the offer and sign

If approved, you’ll receive a loan agreement with amount, term, interest rate, and conditions. Read everything carefully. For unsecured loans, check whether a personal guarantee is required. Once signed, the money is typically transferred within a few days.

ALMI & Alternative Startup Funding Options

For startups in Sweden that don’t meet traditional bank criteria, ALMI Företagspartner is often the first stop. ALMI is a state-owned lender that offers startup loans with flexible terms and moderate interest rates. Approval is based on your business plan, projected cash flow, and personal credibility rather than past revenue. In many cases, ALMI also provides business advice and coaching as part of the loan process. The loan size typically ranges from SEK 50,000 to 500,000, with repayment periods of 1–6 years. A personal guarantee is usually required.

In addition to ALMI, startups can explore alternative funding sources. Public grants from Vinnova or Tillväxtverket are available for innovative or regional development projects and don’t need to be repaid. These programs are competitive but offer substantial support for eligible companies.

Other options include microloans from online lenders, crowdfunding campaigns, or backing from business angels and incubators. These are especially useful for startups with consumer-facing products or early community traction. Finally, alternatives like leasing (for equipment) or invoice factoring can help support early operations without taking on traditional debt.

Startup Funding Options Compared

Funding Type	Loan/Grant?	Amount Range	Approval Time	Collateral Required	Best For
ALMI Startup Loan	Loan	SEK 50,000 – 500,000	5–10 business days	Sometimes	Early-stage startups with a solid plan
Vinnova Grant	Grant	Varies (non-repayable)	Weeks to months	No	Innovative, R&D-driven companies
Tillväxtverket Support	Grant/Subsidy	Varies by region/program	Several weeks	No	Regional development or job creation
Online Microloan	Loan	SEK 50,000 – 300,000	1–3 business days	No	Quick capital with minimal paperwork
Crowdfunding	Equity/Donation	Varies widely	Varies	No	B2C products or community-backed ventures
Business Angel/VC	Equity	SEK 250,000 – 5M+	Weeks to months	No	High-growth potential with investor appeal
Leasing/Factoring	Financing tool	Asset/invoice-based	1–7 days	Asset/invoice itself	Equipment or cash flow support

These options can be combined. For example, ALMI loans can be paired with a grant from Vinnova or startup capital from crowdfunding. Choosing the right mix depends on your business model, timeline, and willingness to trade ownership or take on risk.