Financial help

In some instances a lack of funding can be a barrier to starting or developing a business.

LEO is able to offer a scheme that can help overcome this barrier, particularly where a business has faced difficulty in raising all the funding required through normal commercial sources such as banks.

Through an arrangement with ‘Derbyloans’ it may be possible to provide loan finance to meet the requirements of this type of business. 

‘Derbyloans’ is a ‘community finance development institution’ - a ‘not for profit’ organisation that exists to provide finance to businesses that are unable to raise all the funding they need from banks.

The minimum loan is £500 and there is a maximum of £10,000 for first loans.The money can be used to assist with cash flow problems and/or capital purchases.  The repayment period can be up to 3-years maximum.

As with any lender, the application needs to be realistic and affordable if it is to receive support.  In view of this any prospective customer will receive free support from the LEO Business Adviser team to develop a business plan and submit the application. 

There is also the offer of ongoing free support once the application has been agreed to assist in the sustainability of the business and repayment of the loan. 

In addition LEO advisers – both BizFizz and Outreach – will be able to advise on any grants or other  funding which may be available to your business.

Alliance for Enterprise
Ada Lovelace House, Urban Road, Kirkby-in-Ashfield Nottingham NG17 8BY
Tel: 01623 457158 Fax: 01623 457170