Ethical business lender celebrates £13m milestone in supporting small businesses

First Enterprise, a prominent Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI) has disbursed £13 million in loans during the financial year ending 31 March 2025.

This achievement underscores the organisation's commitment to supporting small businesses and fostering economic development across the Midlands region.

The firm has provided £13 million in loans to 712 businesses, a 13 per cent increase from the previous year.

This includes funding from key schemes such as the Start Up Loans, Midlands Engine Investment Fund II by British Business Bank, and the Regional Growth Fund.

First Enterprise has also been able to create and safeguard 1,246 job positions, contributing to the vitality of local communities.

The firm has also allocated 36 per cent of total funding to women-led businesses and 29 per cent to minority-led businesses, promoting inclusive growth.

Some of the businesses First Enterprise has funded include:

• Woodleigh Healthcare – A care services provider based in Leicester. With a loan of £150,000 from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II and Regional Growth Fund, Woodleigh was able to expand and manage cash flow, enabling the company to sustain its skilled workforce and open a third site in Nottinghamshire.
• Comfa – A family-run business pioneering sensory-friendly clothing in Derbyshire, which secured a £100,000 loan through the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II. The loan supported Comfa’s next phase, including the production of an increasing amount of flagship Fidget-Ts, development of sizes and options, enhanced marketing, and working capital.
• Westwood Estate Planning – A personalised estate planning business in Lincolnshire, which received a £8,000 loan through the Start Up Loans programme. The funding helped the business build significant brand awareness and the overall importance of estate planning through seminars, newsletters, and partnerships with financial advisors.

Hassan Ahmed, executive chairman of First Enterprise, said: "Reaching this £13 million milestone is a significant achievement, but what truly drives us at First Enterprise is the impact we have on underserved communities across the Midlands.

“By providing accessible finance to small businesses that might otherwise struggle to secure funding, we’re helping to create jobs, support local economies, and foster long-term, sustainable growth.

“We are committed to empowering entrepreneurs who are driving change and innovation in communities that need it most."

Daniel Carrico, executive director of First Enterprise, said: "This £13 million milestone reflects the growing recognition of the need for accessible finance in the small business sector.

“The funding landscape is evolving, and as a Community Development Finance Institution, First Enterprise is proud to play a key role in bridging the gap for businesses that may not have access to traditional lending sources.

“By working closely with partners like the British Business Bank and regional initiatives, we’re helping to create a more inclusive, resilient economy that benefits everyone."

Pictured from left to right: Michael Fletcher, head of credit; Caroline Everett, finance manager; Daniel Carrico - executive director; Danielle Davis, deputy director; Nabeel Akhter, senior investment nanager; and Vimple Bhudia - senior credit controller