Advertorial: Helping Businesses to Bridge the Funding Gap

Business Loans Scotland builds on the previous successful loan funds, the West of Scotland Loan Fund (WSLF), the East of Scotland Investment Fund (ESIF) and the South of Scotland Loan Scheme offering finance of up to one hundred thousand pounds to Scottish SMEs.

Having supported twenty-two Scottish businesses so far, including Ayrshire’s Murphy Engineering, Moray brewers Windswept Brewing Company and South Lanarkshire swim teaching business Making Waves to name a few, Business Loans Scotland have successfully awarded over £1.4 million allowing businesses to successfully undertake a management buy-out, support the build of a new visitor centre, invest in suitable office space and much more.

Making Waves owners Tom and Nicola Mitchell were delighted to be awarded the maximum loan amount of £100,000 from Business Loans Scotland to support their dream of a purpose-built swimming pool as a permanent home for their swim teaching business.

Delighted with the funding received, Tom stated: “We have spent 14 years building up our business and it has been a labour of love. Teaching swimming gives children confidence, exercise, fun and can even save their lives. We felt the time was right to take it to the next level and this purpose-built pool has been designed from the ground up to meet the specific requirements of what we do.”

Commenting on the funding available Andrew Dickson, Fund Manager from Business Loans Scotland, said: “It is well documented that access to capital remains a major hurdle to many small and medium sized businesses which are looking to start up and grow. Often, our funding can make the difference between a business struggling or flourishing and that in turn will have a positive impact on employment, profitability and making communities stronger.”

With a dedicated pot of six million pounds available, Business Loans Scotland are keen to speak with any business who may be interested in receiving gap funding. To find out more or to start the application process, please visit the Business Loans Scotland website – www.bls.scot