Celebrate | Inspire | Support | Relax | Recharge Venue: Mattioli Woods plc, Leicester Date: Thursday 14 May 2026 Times: 5:30pm to 7:30pm
The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity (STWLC) is all about supporting new and developing businesses and helping them to be successful – but it can be difficult to find the time to meet like-minded people and feel supported.
Building on our sell-out events from the last two years, we are repeating the winning formula of great venue, great people and great networking – because the STWLC family is here to help. This event, held in a beautiful rooftop venue in the heart of Leicester, will help you to connect with local businesses, supporters and people just like you who are running their own business. It is a great chance to feel inspired and recharge, celebrating one another’s small beginnings and big ideas, all at a very local level.
Please register (each person) to attend, as tickets are strictly limited and we sold out in previous years. We hope that you can join us and we look forward to meeting with you on 14th May!
Having approved over £1million in interest-free loans and grants for the first time in 2025, The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity has started 2026 by approving an allocation of £212,500 in interest-free loans for 14 businesses across Leicestershire & Rutland.
With loans ranging from £5,000 to the maximum allocation of £20,000, the businesses supported include a recruitment agency, audio production company, fishing tackle retailer and a creative hub/studio.
We host quarterly application windows each year in which people aged over 18 and under 45 can apply for unique interest-free loans of up to £20,000 to aid local businesses, or £10,000 to support students wishing to return to postgraduate education. Our loans are interest-free for nine years, and become repayable by equal instalments after three years.
In 2025, we approved a huge £949,032 in interest-free loans, in addition to £103,500 in grants funding. This meant that the Charity approved £1,052,532 in total for the year – by far the most in our entire 483-year history.
Application packs are available to download upon completion of a contact form on our website – simply follow the Business Loan or Education Loan links for further information.
The next deadline for applications is 3:30pm on Wednesday 1 April 2026.
On Thursday 26 February 2026, local filmmaker Hynek Gannon was named winner of the inaugural Short PLATFORM Professional Development Award, which The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity proudly sponsored with a £250 prize fund.
The partnership between Phoenix Leicester and STWLC saw the introduction of a £250 Professional Development Award to a Leicester-based writer, producer or director involved in the production of one of the films submitted to Short PLATFORM.
After a panel selection, Hynek Gannon was named as the winner and was presented with the award by Anne Whitlock, Trustee of STWLC.
Speaking about his award and appreciation to the Charity, Hynek Gannon said:
“It feels great. I personally don’t really see myself as someone who wins things, so this meant a lot. It’s really helped with my confidence as a filmmaker, especially now that I’m working more independently. It also came at a great time, as I’ve just spent a lot of money on a new camera, so it genuinely feels like perfect timing.
“This award reminded me that there are people out there who value and champion the next generation of artists and their work.”
“With the prize money, I can now buy fixed ND filters, which will really help improve my images. I’ll also use the money to buy some Black Pro-Mist filters to make my images more cinematic and add texture. The money has also widened my options to look into other creative filters that can manipulate the image — like changing the shape of bokeh or affecting lens flares — which helps when you’re trying to make your images stand out.
“This award reminded me that there are people out there who value and champion the next generation of artists and their work.”
STWLC Trustee Anne Whitlock said:
“It was a pleasure to attend the Short PLATFORM event and present Hynek with the first-ever Professional Development Award – a very worthy winner and my favourite film of the night! As a local charity we are always so inspired by the creative talent among young people in our county, and this event was certainly no exception to that. Huge congratulations to Hynek and thank you to Phoenix for inviting us to such a fantastic occasion.”
Award-winning filmmaker and director Keith Allott, who is an expert tutor at Phoenix, added:
“This is the first time a sponsor has donated a prize to an emerging filmmaker through a PLATFORM event. It makes an enormous difference for the filmmaker by giving them an opportunity to use the prize to develop their career, but it also boosts their confidence in their work and creative processes. It can be easy for an artist who is starting out to question their work and if they are doing the right thing and awards like this one help to affirm they are. It’s also positive for PLATFORM and Phoenix to be able to connect the sponsor with the filmmaker, building trust with the filmmaking community. We’re looking forward to hopefully awarding many more opportunities and awards for Leicester-based filmmakers in the future in partnership with The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity.”
About Phoenix Phoenix is an independent cinema, art gallery and Café Bar in Leicester’s Cultural Quarter. Phoenix is a registered charity which aims to bring inspirational film and art to all. Further information is available at phoenix.org.uk
About PLATFORM PLATFORM is a programme for filmmakers and digital artists interested in moving image in Leicester, offering a space to meet, learn, and collaborate. To find out more and sign up, visit https://www.phoenix.org.uk/platform/
About STWLC The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity provides personal loans for new business ideas, businesses needing investment and for the study of postgraduate education. Eligible candidates may borrow up to £20,000 for business purposes and up to £10,000 for postgraduate education purposes, to establish themselves in their chosen career. All loans are personal loans which are interest free for 9 years, repayable by equal instalments after 3 years, and are available to people aged over 18 and under 45.
When Maria moved from Greece to Leicester at 17, she began a journey that would eventually bring together her background in biomedical science, clinical research, and a growing passion for specialist hair and scalp care.
Born and raised in Greece, Maria relocated to Leicester with her family as a teenager. She went on to study Biomedical Science at De Montfort University, gaining hands-on experience while working in laboratories at Leicester Royal Infirmary and Leicester General Hospital.
After graduating, she moved to London, where her career progressed from hospital-based roles into clinical trials. Starting as a coordinator, Maria advanced into project management, all while continuing her studies in public health.
Her path was firmly rooted in science and healthcare – until a personal health challenge changed everything.
While working in London, Maria developed scalp psoriasis and, after visiting doctors without finding a lasting solution, realised she could use her scientific knowledge in a different way.
“I thought, I can use my background to help – I can fix this myself,” she explains.
Drawing on her research and personal experience with textured hair, she created gentle, effective products that support healthy hair and scalp. After creating products that worked for her, a close friend suggested she begins selling them. Maria quickly realised that many people, particularly within African communities, struggle with scalp conditions but often lack clear guidance, education, and suitable products.
What started as a personal solution evolved into a much bigger vision: not just selling products, but providing education, diagnosis support, and specialist treatment for hair and scalp health.
Using her loan from The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity, Maria has been able to enrol in a professional trichology course – a qualification focused on diagnosing and treating hair and scalp disorders.
“Trichology is like being a dermatologist for hair and scalp,” she says. “The loan has allowed me to complete the first course I need, and there are more to follow.”
A significant portion of the funding has gone towards her training, with the remainder supporting product development and market research. This combination allows Maria to grow BANG Cosmetics while steadily working towards becoming a fully certified specialist able to treat clients directly.
Maria first heard about The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity through a member of her church, who encouraged her to attend business seminars and workshops. It was there that she learned about the Charity’s Interest-Free Business Loans for young entrepreneurs.
The application process, she says, was unlike anything she had done before – but ultimately invaluable.
“It was straightforward, but a lot of it was new to me. It really makes you dive deep into your own business, which is a good thing.”
“If I ever needed to do a similar process in the future, I’d be in a much better place to do so having done this with the Charity.”
For early-stage entrepreneurs, managing cash flow can be one of the biggest challenges. Maria highlights the importance of the Charity’s three-year grace period before repayments begin.
“It’s a great place to start,” she says. “There’s always unexpected expenses with a business – accountants, subscriptions like Shopify, and so much more. Having time to get started and sustain the business before repaying is really helpful.”
The interest-free nature of the loan has given her breathing space – allowing her to invest in qualifications and product development without the added pressure of high borrowing costs.
Currently balancing full-time employment alongside evenings and weekends dedicated to BANG Cosmetics, Maria’s next goal is to transition into the business full time.
Over the next five years, her vision is clear:
• To grow BANG Cosmetics into a sustainable full-time venture
• To open a dedicated clinic where she can treat clients with hair and scalp conditions
• To establish her own laboratory for product formulation and testing
By combining treatments, diagnostic guidance, and scientifically formulated products, Maria hopes to create a holistic centre for hair and scalp health – particularly serving communities that have traditionally lacked specialist support.
From clinical trials to community care, Maria is using science, lived experience, and entrepreneurial drive to make a tangible difference.
Behind Riverview Reptiles is owner Tom Williams, whose passion for exotic animals can be traced back to childhood. What began as weekend trips to the pet shop soon became something far more lasting. As Tom explains, “I have always had an interest in exotic and unusual animals and always enjoyed a weekend trip to the pet shop as a kid. I got my first Leopard Gecko when I was 15 and have been hooked ever since.”
That passion naturally shaped his career path. “I have worked in many fields including plant growing, aquatics and reptiles,” he says, building the hands-on experience that would later underpin the business.
Today, Riverview Reptiles operates from two locations: the original store at 14 High Street, Sileby, and a second site in The George Centre, Grantham, which opened afterwards as the business expanded with STWLC’s support.
At its core, Riverview Reptiles is a pet shop – but not a conventional one. As Tom puts it, “We are essentially a pet store but with a twist, we offer exotic, unusual and hard-to-come-by pets such as lizards, snakes and invertebrates.”
Ethics and animal welfare sit at the heart of everything they do. “We sell all our animals in an ethical way and aim to promote high animal welfare in both of our stores,” Tom explains. Alongside the animals themselves, the stores stock “all the equipment needed to keep them happy and healthy.”
The service offering goes even further, with “holiday boarding, health checks and tortoise hibernation” available to support owners long after purchase.
As the business grew, external guidance played an important role. “We were advised to contact STWLC by a business advisor,” Tom recalls, marking the beginning of a key relationship in Riverview Reptiles’ expansion story.
Applying for support can often feel daunting, but that wasn’t the case here. Reflecting on the process, Tom says, “Both the application and interview process were thorough but very easy.”
When Riverview Reptiles received an Interest-Free Business Loan from STWLC, soon came their second location. “We used the funds to help set up our second store in Grantham, specifically for shop fittings and animal enclosures, as well as the rental deposit,” Tom explains.
This investment allowed the Grantham store in The George Centre to open its doors, bringing the Riverview Reptiles ethos to a wider audience.
Looking back, Tom is clear about the impact of the support received. “STWLC has played a pivotal role in our journey and we couldn’t have expanded our business the way we have without their help.”
His advice to others is equally direct: “I would strongly advise other businesses to get in touch and see what they can offer to help.”
If you’d like to visit Riverview Reptiles, you can head over to their two store locations below:
• 14 High St, Sileby, Loughborough LE12 7RX
• Units 18 & 19, The George Shopping Centre, High Street, Grantham, NG31 6LH
If, like Tom, your business could benefit from an Interest-Free Loan up to the value of £20,000, please click here to read more. Our loans are completely interest-free for nine years, and require no repayments in the first three!
The Sir Thomas White Loans Charity is partnering with the University of Leicester for its 2026 Business Start-Up Competition to showcase ambitious student business ideas.
Now in its third year, the competition encourages students and recent graduates from the University of up to three years to pitch their entrepreneurial ideas and current business activities to a panel of judges.
Following feedback from previous applications, for this year all shortlisted finalists for the competition will be guaranteed a package of support which includes a £250 business grant from the Sir Thomas White Loans Charity (STWLC).
Alongside the business grant, all finalists will receive access to entrepreneurial business and professional development networks and opportunities including Leicester Startups membership, Generation Next, and Leicestershire Business Voice. It is hoped this will support the entrepreneurs and their business to make the desired progress and grow.
Students and recent graduates (up to three years since graduation) who want to take part should apply by Wednesday 18 February 2026. More information is online here: Business Start-Up Competition 2026 (University of Leicester log-in required).
Tom Ledgard, Head of Careers and Employability said: “I’m really pleased that we are partnering with Sir Thomas White Loans Charity, which we expect will greatly benefit both organisations as well as our students, recent graduates and local community. They are huge supporters of the local entrepreneur eco-system across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, and through their kind support our finalists this year can explore further opportunities with them and have access to a great network to grow their business within.
“Being a finalist in the University’s Business Start-Up Competition will be a tremendous achievement to applicants as they will have had to communicate their business idea and plans effectively to the assessment panel and demonstrate their innovation and potential.”
Lucy Womack, Chair of STWLC, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with the University of Leicester to support this year’s Business Start-Up Competition. The creativity and ambition shown by students never fails to inspire us, and we’re very much looking forward to seeing these business ideas develop. At STWLC, we’re proud to offer interest-free business loans to help turn great ideas into real ventures, and we’re excited to see what this next generation of entrepreneurs will achieve.”
The 2025 Business Start-Up Competition was won by Leya Luhar, a current student who had successfully launched OSCE Toolbox and had plans to further grow the number of learning opportunities for the primary audience of pharmacy students studying to pass their assessment. In total, there were 11 finalists who all pitched their business ideas and plans well to the panel, including undergraduate and postgraduate students but also recent graduates.
University of Leicester students and graduates can also access programmes of support to develop their skills for employment and establishing new business ventures, including access to workshops, seed funding, and workspaces. The University works closely with many businesses, not just those from students and graduates, and aims to accelerate innovation by turning great research and business ideas into innovative products, services through free or subsidised innovation support. Connect and explore the services available to your business here: https://le.ac.uk/enterprise
The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity is incredibly proud to end 2025 with the news that we have funded businesses and postgraduate students in Leicestershire with over £1 MILLION in interest-free loans and business grants this year!
In a huge boost for Leicestershire & Rutland businesses and postgraduate students, this record-breaking milestone was reached through £949,032 being approved in interest-free loans, in addition to our 2025 grants scheme awarding £103,500 to local businesses.
This means that the Charity has approved £1,052,532 in total this year – by far the most in our entire 483-year history!
The loan approvals in the final quarter of 2025 will support 10 businesses including a dance school, dog trainer and bakery, while six interest-free education loans have been approved to enable the studies of legal, medical and policing postgraduate courses, among others.
Lucy Womack, STWLC Chair, said: “This is a hugely special milestone and a significant moment in the Charity’s history. To approve over £1M in a single year through interest-free loans and grants is something we’re so incredibly proud of. But more than that, behind every loan and grant is a person with ambition, determination and a vision for their future – the very people our Charity exists to support.
“Whether it’s helping a local business expand or enabling a postgraduate student to pursue a vital career path, these funds change lives and strengthen our communities. We can’t wait to see the positive impact this funding will have, and we look forward to supporting even more people across Leicestershire and Rutland in 2026.”
STWLC’s 2025 In Numbers
• 69 interest-free loans approved • £773,632 approved in interest-free business loans • £175,400 approved in interest-free education loans • 24 business grants awarded, totalling £103,500
As we mark this year’s National Trustees’ Week, we’re shining the spotlight on all Sir Thomas White Loan Charity Trustees and thanking them for their time, dedication and passion they put into their roles.
Our Trustees give so much behind the scenes – from guiding our strategies and messages to interviewing applicants, meeting borrowers and championing our work in the Leicestershire community.
This week is the perfect moment to shine a light on their commitment and share why they love doing what they do.
Our Chair, Lucy Womack, made history back in March 2022 when she became the first-ever female Chair of the Charity: “I’m incredibly proud to be Chair of Trustees at The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity – a cause that’s close to my heart,” Lucy said. “Seeing candidates grow from their first interview is a great thrill.”
“Meeting ambitious young people is a privilege” – Anne Whitlock, Trustee
Fellow Trustee Anne Whitlock highlights the privilege of connecting with young people at pivotal moments in their lives: “Interviewing candidates is the best part,” Anne says. “Meeting ambitious young people is a privilege, and we strive to make the process welcoming.”
Parmdeep Vadesha, a Trustee since 2022 and an experienced entrepreneur, finds great satisfaction in hearing the stories of the people the Charity supports: “As an entrepreneur, I’ve faced business ups and downs, which helps me understand our borrowers’ journeys. I always look forward to meeting them and listening to their stories.”
Meanwhile, Ammo Khan, who has served as a Trustee since 2015, chairs the Grants Committee and takes pride in helping businesses thrive in the Leicestershire community: “The most enjoyable part of being a Trustee is saying yes to giving out a loan or a grant!”
Sue Cleminson, a HR specialist and Trustee since 2019, emphasises the collaborative spirit of the board: “I enjoy working with the other Trustees to make the Charity as visible as possible, because I think it’s a brilliant opportunity for people.”
Want to hear from all of our Trustees? You can get to know them better by clicking HERE
For more information on our interest-free business and education loans, please follow the links above.
If you’re working on your business plan or need a little extra guidance, we’ve partnered with some amazing organisations to help you get there. Find out more HERE
At The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity, we believe the best way to show the value of our support is to hear directly from those who receive it. Earlier this year, we awarded Business Grants to local entrepreneurs across Leicestershire and Rutland. These grants are helping small businesses to grow, innovate and strengthen the communities they serve.
But the real story is best told by the people themselves. Here, recipients share what the grant has meant to them, their work, and their future.
Danni Smith, Founder and Director of Movements, spoke of the difference the grant will make as the company evolves: “This generous funding is truly wonderful and will go directly toward training our team with the right tools to become even better coaches and continue to evolve. This is especially important as we partner with a local charity to host weekly classes for learning disabled adults – sessions that bring joy, build confidence, and create an inclusive, active community. To me, this grant means more than financial support; it is a recognition of the positive impact that inclusive fitness and professional growth can have.”
For Adam Goodger of Escape Coalville, the support accelerates ambitious plans: “As a local business, the grant is going to make a huge difference to us. We can move our plans forward by 8–12 months and bring new, exciting experiences to the town.”
Dr Naomi Howard reflected on the importance of early support: “As a business only 18 months old, this investment will make a transformative difference, enabling us to grow sustainably and keep key processes in-house. We remain committed to driving inclusivity and excellence within STEM, and it is incredible to have that mission supported in this way.”
Dr Naomi Howard was successful in her grant application for Howard-Brumlich Events
For others, the grant represents a vital step forward after years of self-funding.
“This grant will enable me to bring in the extra help I need to grow, not just maintain, my business,” said Sarah Laws of My Handmade Wardrobe Ltd.
The impact is deeply personal, too. Emma Mahil of Emma Mahil Counselling described the grant as life-changing: “This funding will enable me to undertake advanced training to specialise in supporting couples, as well as individuals and families affected by pregnancy and infant loss. I am committed and so passionate about improving mental health and wellbeing across the UK, and this grant provides a vital opportunity to expand the support I can offer.”
For family-focused businesses, the recognition was just as important as the funds.
“Receiving this grant for my small business means so much – it’s not just the financial support but the recognition of the value my baby and toddler classes bring to local families,” explained Courtney Coleman of Tots Play Blaby Area.
My Handmade Wardrobe, owned by Sarah Laws, has also received a grant
Other entrepreneurs across the county shared similar feelings of optimism and gratitude:
“It’ll give my business the boost it needs to move forward and grow which would’ve taken me years to achieve without the help of this grant.” – Roxanne Hull, Gems by Ginger.
“I know the impact will be immediate.” – Gemma Tallis, Wild and Gem Jewellery.
“Receiving the Sir Thomas White Loan Charity Business Grant is a game-changer… allowing us to invest in new programmes and deepen our impact on the community.” – Cain Ahmed, The Nest Wellness Studio.
“This incredible opportunity provides not only financial support, but also a sense of security and confidence that will propel my business to the next level.” – Claire Walker, Spot & Pickle.
Others highlighted the opportunity to expand their reach and create a greater impact:
The grant will be a “game-changer” for Cain Ahmed and The Nest Wellness Studio
“It means I can invest in new equipment, specialist training and ultimately reach and support more families in the local area.” – Gemma Bryant, Ready Baby Go.
“This grant gives us the opportunity to purchase the desks, laptops and resources needed to expand the tutoring team… I am so grateful—thank you so much.” – Helen Harper, HH Tuition.
And across all industries, the same theme shines through: encouragement and belief.
“The belief shown by yourselves in my business is both encouraging and exciting,” shared Natalia Simpson of Zalex Retail Limited.
“We are so grateful for your continued support and belief in Fox’s Furrow!” said Saffron Hallam.
“I’m so grateful for this grant, which will make a real difference to my work as an independent artist. It allows me to invest in the right tools to work more efficiently, grow my business, and continue sharing original art with clients worldwide and my local community.” – Ellie Lovett.
And, as Billie Porter expressed simply: “It’s not just financial assistance – it’s a powerful reminder that there are people and organisations who believe in my goals and potential.”
Our Business Grant scheme is now closed however applications remain open for our unique interest-free business loans, available up to £20,000. These loans are interest-free for nine years, and become repayable by equal instalments after three years.
We are proud to announce that £243,600 in interest-free loans has been approved in the third quarter of 2025, taking the total for the year so far up to over three quarters of a million pounds (£753,000) – a record for the Charity!
Within this figure, 11 interest-free business loans were approved totalling £174,600, while seven interest-free education loans were approved to the value of £69,000 – two of which will be used at the world-famous University of Oxford.
“Behind these numbers are inspiring individuals pursuing their ambitions, and we are honoured to play a part in their journeys.”
The Leicestershire & Rutland businesses set to benefit from this huge allocation of funds include a pub, beauty salon, tool smith and a mobile catering company. Meanwhile, the education loans will support the studies of an MSc in Astronautics and Space Engineering, an MA in Fashion, and LLM SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination).
Lucy Womack, STWLC Chair, said: “We are immensely proud to see the Charity approve another significant total this month, with over three quarters of a million pounds approved so far in 2025. This milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to empowering people across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland through interest-free loans, and also shows that while our offer may sound too good to be true, it’s very much real – just ask our new borrowers! Behind these numbers are inspiring individuals pursuing their ambitions, and we are honoured to play a part in their journeys.”
Established in 1542, STWLC hosts quarterly application windows each year in which people aged over 18 and under 45 can apply for unique interest-free loans of up to £20,000 to aid local businesses, or £10,000 to support students wishing to return to postgraduate education. The Charity’s loans are interest-free for nine years, and become repayable by equal instalments after three years.
The next deadline for applications is 3:30pm on Wednesday 1 October 2025.
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