What's the reason for this fund?

Lack of funding and a fear of debt are real problems for women looking to start-up or grow a business.

Many research reports from across the UK - along with feedback from Enterprising Women members - reveal that limited access to funding is cited as one of the biggest challenges to business success.

Women say that they are often discouraged from seeking business loans, or have been advised that re-mortgaging their homes would be a better, or the only, way of financing their business. Other research reports that women are sometimes charged a higher interest rate than men. Yet all the evidence shows that women are a good credit risk and have a higher loan repayment rate!

We also hear from funders that often women do not present a strong enough business case, lack the confidence to present their plans properly, or fail to demonstrate sufficient business and financial skills. We know from our own experience with hundreds of new entrepreneurs that women tend to under-fund their business. This, coupled with incomplete knowledge about the likely costs and timescales of getting to market, can lead some to struggle unnecessarily during the critical post-start phase. At last, an answer to all these challenges is here!

Find out why the loan fund is different.

How to apply...

The Lloyds TSB Commercial and Enterprising Women Loan Fund is currently only open to women in the East of England, but watch this space!