Business Details
37 Years
experience
Trusted Business Loans in Nottingham
Established in 1989, we are a not-for-profit, FCA-accredited finance provider dedicated to empowering businesses across the UK. Our mission focuses on supporting underserved communities, including women-led and ethnic minority-owned businesses, through tailored financial solutions. With over 36 years of experience, we have invested 77 million in small businesses, supporting 7,305 ventures and safeguarding 7,634 jobs. Our human-centric approach ensures lending decisions prioritise potential over algorithms, offering fixed and competitive interest rates with no early repayment penalties.We provide Start Up Loans (up to 25,000) and Business Loans (up to 250,000), alongside personalised advisory services. Our team of dedicated advisors guides applicants through every step, ensuring transparency and accessibility. Recognised as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), we combine social impact with financial expertise. Headquartered in Nottingham, we operate across the East Midlands, South East Midlands, and West Midlands. Our accolades include being a multi-award-winning organisation trusted by partners to fuel business growth.
Services
Start Up Loan
Business Loan
Loan Combination
Personalised Advisory
CDFI Lending
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We offer 36 years of experience in inclusive business lending
- Our advisors provide one-on-one guidance throughout the application process
- No early repayment penalties on any loan products
- Specialist support for women-led and ethnic minority-owned businesses
- Human-led lending decisions prioritising business potential over credit scores
Associations and certifications
- Financial Conduct Authority
- Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI)
What people say
Genuinely supported
Invaluable support
Crucial time
Thorough approach
Easy process
Services
Start Up Loan
Designed for nascent businesses needing capital between 500 and 25,000. This unsecured personal loan carries a fixed 6% interest rate over 1-5 years. No early repayment fees apply, and we offer free post-loan support. Ideal for entrepreneurs without established business accounts seeking flexible financing.
Business Loan
Tailored for scaling businesses requiring 25,001 to 250,000. Features competitive interest rates and Growth Guarantee Scheme eligibility. Repayment terms span 1-5 years with no early repayment penalties. Includes 1-2-1 support from dedicated advisors to optimise funding outcomes for established SMEs.
Loan Combination
Integrated solution for businesses needing over 25,000 within their first three years. Combines Start Up and Business Loan elements with customised repayment plans. A dedicated adviser tailors the package to specific growth needs, ensuring seamless application and disbursement processes.
People
Hassan Ahmed
Executive Chairman
Leading strategic direction with decades of experience in community finance and economic development initiatives across the Midlands region.
Daniel Carrico
Executive Director
Overseeing operational execution with a focus on expanding financial inclusion and strengthening partner networks nationwide.
Danielle Davis
Deputy Director
Managing day-to-day operations while ensuring adherence to our mission of supporting underserved business communities.
Questions
What are the eligibility criteria for business loans?
UK-registered businesses demonstrating repayment capacity. We assess viability beyond credit scores, particularly for underserved applicants.
What loan amounts can I apply for?
Start Up Loans from £500–£25,000 and Business Loans from £25,001–£250,000 tailored to your business needs.
Are there early repayment penalties?
No. We offer complete flexibility with no additional fees for early loan settlement.
What documents are required?
Business plans, financial statements, bank records, and asset/liability details. Specific requirements vary by loan type.
How long does approval take?
Typically 3-8 weeks, though prompt documentation submission can significantly expedite the process.
Do you support businesses with poor credit history?
Yes. We prioritise business potential over credit scores, considering applications from diverse financial backgrounds.
Reviews (4)
Bailey Wilmot
Jan 17, 2022
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness
Quick and swift. Nabeel was really helpful, he guided me through from the start to end. Helping me work with the plan and gathering all documents needed.
Quick and swift. Nabeel was really helpful, he guided me through from the start to end. Helping me work with the plan and gathering all documents needed.
Michal Pekalski
Jan 13, 2022
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness
Amazing help from Chris! He was great, and I believe they all are like him. Without this help, we wouldn't be able to speed up growth of our business.
Amazing help from Chris! He was great, and I believe they all are like him. Without this help, we wouldn't be able to speed up growth of our business.
James Hinchcliffe
Aug 15, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Responsiveness
The start up business loan is a great option for businesses to access finance, which, at present is becoming ever more challenging with the volume of applications mainstream banks are having to manage.
The start up business loan is a great option for businesses to access finance, which, at present is becoming ever more challenging with the volume of applications mainstream banks are having to manage.
Razvan Purcaru
Aug 14, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness
First Enterprise - Enterprise Loans helped and guided me from start to finish , i have received the maximum level of support they can offer for my business in order to develop and run smoothly
First Enterprise - Enterprise Loans helped and guided me from start to finish , i have received the maximum level of support they can offer for my business in order to develop and run smoothly
