Riverview Reptiles

FROM HOBBY TO HIGH STREET: THE SUCCESS STORY OF RIVERVIEW REPTILES

by BUSINESSBusiness Success StoriesNews

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!

Picture is of 2025 University of Leicester Business Start-up Competition winner Leya Luhar receiving the prize from the judging panel.

STWLC PARTNERS WITH UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER

by News

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

£1M graphic STILL

CHARITY APPROVES OVER £1 MILLION IN 2025!

by News

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

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 Monday 5 January 2026.

APPLY FOR AN INTEREST-FREE BUSINESS LOAN
APPLY FOR AN INTEREST-FREE EDUCATION LOAN
Sue Cleminson 1400

CELEBRATING NATIONAL TRUSTEES’ WEEK: 3–7 NOVEMBER 2025

by News

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

The Nest Wellness Studio

IN THEIR OWN WORDS: THE IMPACT OF OUR BUSINESS GRANTS

by Business Grant Success StoriesNews

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.

APPLY FOR AN INTEREST-FREE BUSINESS LOAN

The next deadline for applications is 3:30pm on Wednesday 1 October 2025.

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18 INTEREST-FREE LOANS APPROVED IN Q3!

by News

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.

APPLY FOR AN INTEREST-FREE BUSINESS LOAN

APPLY FOR AN INTEREST-FREE EDUCATION LOAN

The next deadline for applications is 3:30pm on Wednesday 1 October 2025.

Brewery Tent

UNDER THE TENT: HOW THE BREWERY BECAME SILEBY’S EVENT HOTSPOT

by Business Success StoriesNews

Step inside The Brewery in Sileby, Leicestershire, and you’ll find more than great coffee. You’ll find laughter over baby showers, creativity flowing in craft workshops, and the buzz of a community brought together under one roof – or rather, under a giant stretch tent at the back of the café.

The company is owned by Sarah Ward, whose career path hasn’t been a straight line, but rather a vibrant tapestry of creative and people-focused roles. “I studied BA Honours in Illustration before qualifying as a secondary art teacher through the Graduate Teacher Programme,” she explains. “I spent nine years teaching before moving into running my own coffee shop – something I’ve now been doing for nearly a decade.”

Today, The Brewery is more than just a place to grab a cappuccino. “We’re an independent coffee shop, but we also host private hire events and community workshops,” Sarah says. “It’s become a space where people can gather for everything from baby showers to pop-up restaurants.”

That expansion into events was made possible with the help of an interest-free loan from The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity (STWLC) – though, as Sarah recalls, finding out about the Charity was a stroke of luck. “I first heard about STWLC from two female business owners I know,” she says. “They’d heard of the Charity and told me it might be something worth looking into.”

Once she decided to apply, the clock was ticking. “The application process was stressful because I had such a tight deadline – I think I had only about three days to complete it before the cut-off. If I’d missed it, I would’ve had to wait three months, and that would’ve been too late for the work I needed to do,” she recalls.

“Without the Charity, we wouldn’t have been able to make these improvements.”

“But Sarah Hope at STWLC was fantastic – incredibly helpful. I had numerous phone conversations with her when I was stuck or had questions, and she was instrumental in helping me get it done in time.”

The interview process brought its own nerves. “Like any interview, there’s that natural anxiety in the build-up,” Sarah admits. “But the Trustees were all lovely and really put my mind at ease once I was in the room.”

When the loan was approved, Sarah knew exactly where the money was going. The coffee shop already had a large garden space at the back, but she wanted to transform it into something special. “We put down Astroturf and installed a huge stretch tent to give the area permanent cover,” she explains. “Now, not only can we host private hire events like hen parties, weddings, and birthday celebrations, but we can also run more community workshops.”

The result has been a win-win: a boost for Sarah’s business and for other local entrepreneurs. “We’ve had everything from glass fusion and reptile meet-and-greets to slime-making workshops for kids,” she says. “It supports other small businesses in the area while giving the community something fun and engaging to do. And it’s brought in a whole new customer base for us.”

The numbers speak for themselves – the new covered space can seat an extra 70 people, and Sarah says it’s transformed their summer trade. “Without the Charity, we wouldn’t have been able to make these improvements,” she says. “It’s created a really unique space that’s made us incredibly busy this summer. I’d absolutely recommend STWLC to others – in fact, I already have on a few business Facebook groups.”

The Brewery can be found at 22 High St, Sileby, Leicestershire, LE12 7RX and you can visit their Instagram and Facebook pages to see more.

For further information on our interest-free business loans, which are available up to £20,000, please click the button below.

APPLY FOR AN INTEREST-FREE BUSINESS LOAN

Our next application deadline is 3:30pm on Wednesday 1st October 2025.

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24 BUSINESS GRANTS AWARDED TOTALLING OVER £100,000!

by News

Leicestershire and Rutland businesses to benefit from a Grant allocation of £103,500

The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity is delighted to announce that it has approved a total of £103,500 in Business Grants, allocated to 24 businesses across Leicestershire & Rutland.

Ranging from individual grants of £1,500 up to the maximum amount of £5,000, these grants will provide a much-needed financial boost to a wide range of local businesses to support their ongoing growth and development.

In total, the Charity received 113 applications worth over £535,000 in grant requests, meaning we were able to approve a grant for every five applications received.

“This grant will allow me to grow, reach more parents and give little ones the best start in their development.”

This latest allocation now means that STWLC has awarded over £350,000 in Business Grants in the last five years, supporting 85 businesses.

Ammo Khan, Chair of STWLC’s Grant Committee, said: “We’re so pleased to have once again approved our full allocation of grant funding for the year. Unlike our interest-free business loans, these grants require no repayments at all, so it’s a win-win for all of these businesses and we can’t wait to see the positive impact the funding will have for each and every one of them.”

Courtney Coleman, owner of Tots Play Blaby Area and a recipient of a Business Grant, said: “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. This grant will allow me to grow, reach more parents and give little ones the best start in their development.”

Tots Play Blaby Area is one of 24 businesses to receive a grant from the Charity

Another Grant recipient, Cain Ahmed (The Nest Wellness Studio), added: “The STWLC Business Grant is a game-changer, providing us with the resources to enhance our wellness offerings and deepen our impact on the community. It allows us to invest in new programmes and resources, ensuring we can continue to support our members’ growth and well-being with even more value and expertise.”

Gemma Tallis, Founder of Wild and Gem Jewellery, commented: “I can’t thank you enough for the wonderful news that I have been awarded a grant. It’s amazing the difference that one piece of kit will make. The grant will allow me to develop my jewellery and take it to a level which would just not be possible without the grant. I really can’t express how delighted I am. I know that the impact will be immediate!”

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.

APPLY FOR AN INTEREST-FREE BUSINESS LOAN

PICTURES COPYRIGHTED TO Beth Walsh [contact Beth on 07888753521] The faculty of Business and Law at DMU. AWARDS CEREMONY 1.

NEW TERM, NEW OPPORTUNITIES: HOW INTEREST-FREE LOANS ARE POWERING POSTGRADUATE JOURNEYS

by News

As campuses across the UK prepare to welcome thousands of students back this autumn, excitement mixes with nerves. Bags are packed, fresh notebooks bought, timetables downloaded. For many, the next few weeks mark the start of something life-changing.

But beneath the buzz often lies a quieter concern: funding. Postgraduate study is more vital than ever for those who want to specialise and stand out, but the cost can be daunting. That’s where The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity comes in, offering interest-free education loans that make further study possible for students from Leicestershire and Rutland.

And here’s the good news: you don’t have to apply before you start. If you’re already on your course and realise the financial challenge ahead, you can still apply.

Turning Ambition Into Action

Just ask Joanne Rogers, whose love of history took her from an undergraduate degree at De Montfort University into postgraduate study at Lincoln.

Her passion? Preserving precious objects for future generations. “The course covers the conservation and preservation of historic objects, learning the science behind the types of deterioration an object may undergo throughout its life and how to identify these issues,” she explains.

Joanne is pursuing a Graduate Diploma in Conservation Studies at the University of Lincoln

Without the loan, Joanne admits, “I wouldn’t have been able to afford to join this course and develop my knowledge without the support of STWLC.” Today she’s putting those skills to use at Leicester Museums Service – protecting heritage that belongs to us all.

From Leicester to Oxford

Leona May Irwin packed her bags to move from Coventry to the University of Oxford, where she embarked on a Master’s in Clinical Embryology.

“To specialise within Reproductive Healthcare and Biology was always my aim,” she recalls. “The ability to meet world-renowned researchers, of which I read about and admired in journals before attending, was astounding.”

The interest-free loan bridged the gap between Leona’s ambitions and the reality of Oxford’s costs, allowing her to focus fully on learning rather than on money worries.

Leona completed a Clinical Embryology MSc at the world-famous Oxford University

Accelerating a Career in Motorsport

For Drew Tora-Willson, postgraduate study meant getting closer to his dream career in Formula 1. After an engineering degree at Leicester, he joined Cranfield University to research aerodynamics in motorsport.

“Studying here felt right for what I wanted to get into – motorsport/Formula 1,” he says. “Without the loan, it is likely I wouldn’t have been able to make the course work (at least without putting a lot of strain on myself and my parents!), and I have no idea where I would be now if that were the case.”

Drew (left) used an interest-free loan to complete a MSc in Aerodynamics at Cranfield University

Why Now is the Time

As the new academic year begins, students from Leicestershire and Rutland are unpacking in new cities, meeting lecturers, or logging on to online inductions. Others are already deep in their course, balancing deadlines with part-time jobs.

Wherever you are on your journey, it’s worth remembering: our support isn’t just for those at the very start. Applications are open to students who have already started their course too.

That flexibility means help can arrive when you need it most – whether you’re just stepping into your first lecture or already deep into your dissertation.

Investing in Futures

With up to £10,000 available as an interest-free loan, repayable over nine years with a three-year break before repayments begin, we have been helping students for generations.

The impact is measured not only in financial support, but in the stories of people like Joanne, Leona and Drew – graduates who turned dreams into careers thanks to a Charity that believes in potential.

Whether you’re preparing to start, or already well underway, now is the time to ask: could an interest-free loan help unlock your future?

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Our next application deadline is 3:30pm on Wednesday 1st October 2025.

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FINAL COUNTDOWN: APPLY NOW FOR BUSINESS GRANTS OF UP TO £5,000

by Business Grant Success StoriesNews

In workshops, kitchens, offices, and playrooms across Leicestershire and Rutland, small business owners are quietly making big things happen – and for some, the boost came in the form of a Sir Thomas White Loan Charity Business Grant.

Now, it’s your turn.

These grants – available up to £5,000 – are completely non-repayable. They’re designed to give entrepreneurs the financial push they need to grow, evolve, and make bold moves they might otherwise have put on hold. The deadline to apply is fast approaching: Monday 25 August 2025.

For Adventure Playschool founder Naomi Standring, the grant was the green light she’d been waiting for. “We’re finally able to build a new playroom for our pre-school children – something we couldn’t have done for years without this help,” she says, smiling at the thought of welcoming more families and adding new members to her team.

That same sense of momentum is felt in the medical innovation world. Sara Aspinall, Director of STAK Orthopaedics Ltd., calls the grant “a major milestone” that will allow her to boost marketing and reach more patients living with debilitating knee stiffness. “This isn’t just about our growth,” she says. “It’s about making a real difference to people’s lives.”

Sara Aspinall received a grant for her business, STAK Orthopaedics Ltd

For builder James M Tuck of JMT Construction Limited, the funding will go toward advanced training – “opening other avenues of work and opportunities to allow the business to pursue growth.” For chef-entrepreneur Louis Morgan of Fire & Embers, it’s a shiny new oven: “It’ll double our output, so we can take on bigger events without worrying if we can cope with the volume.”

Some are using the grant to open doors into new markets. Wedding photographer Christian Thompson sees it as a chance to connect with clients at prestigious venues, steering his business in the exact direction he’s dreamed of. Sports rehab specialist Elly Blair, The Rehab Coach, is investing in a new website and social media presence. “It means I can reach further afield and help more local sportspeople get back to the activities they love,” she says.

STWLC education loan and business grant recipient, Elly Blair (right)

For others, the impact is more emotional than operational. “Receiving this grant means the world to a small business like ours,” says Samuel Ballard of Club Voyages. “We’re embarking on exciting projects in the coming months, and this takes our dreams one step closer to reality.”

The stories vary, but the thread running through them is the same: a timely investment, a bold idea, and a community spirit that turns possibilities into plans.

So if you’re aged between 18 and 45, live in Leicestershire or Rutland, and run your business here, this is your moment. Whether it’s new equipment, training, marketing, or expansion, the Sir Thomas White Loan Charity Business Grant could be the spark that sets your next chapter in motion.

Applications close Monday 25 August 2025. Apply now via our website – and let’s see what you can do.

APPLY FOR YOUR BUSINESS GRANT HERE