Sophie is an experienced climber and has visited and worked for climbing centres all over the world. She and her partner Sam decided to open Cornwall’s largest climbing centre to combat the lack of similar facilities in the area – read more about their start up journey here.
The Start Up Loans Ambassador programme is in its sixth year, and each year exceptional business owners are chosen as ambassadors from across the UK to encourage aspiring business owners to start their own businesses.
Delivered through a network of organisations like SWIG Finance, Start Up Loans provides hands-on support and guidance to applicants as well as offering ongoing mentoring support.
Applicants can access a fixed-interest loan of up to £25,000 to start or develop their business.
Since 2012, Start Up Loans has delivered more than 88,000 loans to business owners across the UK, amounting to more than £90 million. Of those who received a loan, 35,156(40%) were women; more than 17,700 (20%) were people from Black, Asian, and other ethnic minority communities (excluding White minorities); and more than 4,500 (35% of 18-24 age group) were previously unemployed.
About SWIG Finance
SWIG Finance is a people-based lender that provides loans and support to help smaller businesses in the South and West Country grow. We base our lending decisions on potential rather than collateral, which means that we can often support businesses when others can't.
We’re growing every year. In 2024/25, we lent £14.8m to 501 businesses, helping to create and secure over 1,272 jobs and generate £75.7m in social impact. Download the report here.
If you’d like an informal chat about your funding requirements, get in touch with our friendly and professional team to see how we can help: info@swigfinance.co.uk / 01872 227 930