Why is this different?

The fund brings together a wealth of practical experience from Enterprising Women and Lloyds TSB Commercial, who have an ongoing commitment to adding real value to businesswomen across the region.

Lloyds TSB have over 30 dedicated female Relationship Managers who are ready, willing and able to support women on their individual business journeys. The fund is not a grant or free pot of money, loan decisions will still be made with normal lending criteria, but at least we have a level playing field - and more....

1. Every Lloyds TSB female Relationship Manager in the region will participate in our special Enterprising Women Business Advisor training course. So they will understand not just about what starting and running a business is really like, but increase their understanding around developing and supporting women in business. So when you’re ready to make an approach, (all their numbers and locations are listed on the back of this leaflet), you’ll be able to discuss your business with someone who really understands.

2. We’ve chosen Lloyds TSB for a very good reason. Being there “for the journey” is Lloyds TSB’s refreshing approach to providing a value added banking relationship. Just like Enterprising Women, they are there at every step of the way too.

Lloyds Relationship Managers have local knowledge and are empowered to make decisions, and you can draw on their understanding and experience regularly, at a time when it suits you. This is not a remote or transactional approach to banking!

3. Enterprising Women will be running our tried and tested Market and Finance Readiness for Women (MFR 4 Women) training programme on an ongoing basis. Unlike other ‘Access to Finance’ or ‘Investment Readiness’ courses, our programme focuses on the most critical and challenging part of any business – the ability for your business to get the right number of customers at the right price. It's essential for start-ups in particular (most entrepreneurs are wildly optimistic about getting clients for their new business baby!), and will only be delivered by trainers who have substantial experience in business AND in raising funds.

The programme also takes you through all aspects of creating a really good business plan, helps you understand how much funding you may need to grow your business, timescales and routes to market, pricing, value and much more. Once your plan is as good as it can be, we also include presentation training techniques and some practice pitches to build your skills. MFR 4 Women is both a fantastic reality check and a real confidence-booster.

4. Together with advice and help from Lloyds TSB on your journey, Enterprising Women also offers you ongoing mentoring support through our new Business Mentors service. All Enterprising Women members can search our Mentor database and look at their profiles, before selecting and requesting an introductory meeting, as we know that getting a good fit and trust is really important. Find out about how you can benefit at www.enterprising-women.org/mentoring.

5. And lastly, of course the product has to be great for Enterprising Women – and it is! This is £10 million that Lloyds would like to see used by Enterprising Women members for loans to grow their businesses. There are no hidden extras on these loans, and they bring the possibility of funding options that do not automatically have to be secured on your house or other asset, and could offer up to 4 year repayment terms depending on your situation. Please note that all applications are subject to Lloyds TSB normal lending criteria and each application will be handled on an individual basis.

You can apply to borrow up to £30,000 at any one time. After that, your personal Relationship Manager will provide the expertise and guidance that all businesses need from time to time. There is no restriction on further applications to the fund if you and your Relationship Manager agree that it is appropriate.

Research has shown that historically, women have not been able to access finance on a level playing field, and that some institutions have displayed a gender bias in their lending criteria. This joint initiative with Lloyds TSB is designed to try to ensure you will receive a fair assessment and fair loan terms.