At SWIG Finance, we are proud to support women-led businesses and help create a more inclusive and empowered entrepreneurial ecosystem. In the past year alone, 43% of our lending went to women-led businesses, amounting to nearly £6 million in funding. This aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG) #5, which focuses on gender equality and empowering women. Our commitment to supporting women in business is not just reflected in the loans we provide but also in our internal culture, which fosters a supportive environment for female entrepreneurs, making them feel confident and understood throughout their funding journey.
This blog shines a spotlight on some of the incredible women-led businesses we’ve recently supported, demonstrating the impact that targeted financial support can have on female entrepreneurship and the wider community.
Success Stories: Women-Led Businesses Thriving with SWIG Finance
At SWIG Finance, we believe that success comes from empowering entrepreneurs with the financial tools and support they need to grow. Below are some inspiring stories of women-led businesses we’ve helped along the way.
Priya Vijayakumar, Founder of Carbon Magics
- Tech & Engineering Consultancy – £15k Start-Up Loan
Gloucestershire tech and engineering consultancy, Carbon Magics sought funding to invest in new workshop equipment. As both an ethnic minority and female-led business, the business faced challenges in securing finance through traditional means. SWIG Finance provided a £15,000 Start-Up Loan, enabling it to invest in a new workshop and high-tech machinery, such as a 3D printer, a drone and a state-of-the-art computer. With this boost, Carbon Magics has been able to enhance its technical offerings and build a strong foundation for sustainable growth. Read more here.
Chef Angele at ACELBA Grand Opening
- African Catering Business – £25k Start-Up Loan
African coffee shop and catering business, ACELBA, also led by a female entrepreneur from an ethnic minority background, received £25,000 in funding from SWIG Finance. This Start-Up Loan allowed the Cheltenham business to secure a premises and purchase essential equipment. Led by Angele Baku-Attipoe, she said “This funding is an invaluable resource to my business. Without it, I may not have been able to move forward with my business idea.” Today, the business is thriving, offering a unique culinary experience and bringing authentic African culture to events across the region. This funding has helped the entrepreneur not only build a business but also contribute to cultural diversity and community engagement. Read more here.
Holly-Anne Bangham, Founder of The Note Warehouse
- Bristol Music School – £25k Start-Up Loan
SWIG Finance helped Bristol entrepreneur, Hollie-Anne Bangham with a £25k Start Up Loan boost to expand her music school and coffee shop. The Note Warehouse, which caters to aspiring musicians, needed funds to enhance its programs by expanding its teaching spaces. This not only helped the school grow but also enabled more students to access music education, fostering creativity in the local community. Hollie said “After 2 years the chance to expand my shop has been a massive achievement. The funding has allowed me to double my music school capacity.” Read more here.
Nikki Skinner, Co-Founder of Nikki’s Little Play Café
- Sensory Café – £80k Business & Start-Up Loan Package
Sensory play café, Nikki’s Little Play Café in Dorchester, received a total of £80,000 through a combination of Business and Start-Up Loans. The café, led by Nikki Skinner, offers an inclusive space for children with sensory processing issues. The funding allowed the business to cover start-up costs and create a safe, welcoming environment for families and children who might not have access to similar resources. This is an example of how SWIG Finance’s support can help create social impact and build inclusive communities. Read more here.
Louise Seager and the Inspiration Agency Team
- Marketing Agency Acquisition – Business Loan (Amount Undisclosed)
Bournemouth based marketing agency, Inspiration Agency, led by Louise Seager, approached SWIG Finance for funding to acquire a PR agency. This acquisition allowed the business to expand its services and significantly grow its client base. The additional services and talent brought into the agency through this strategic move have positioned the business for continued success and growth in a highly competitive market. Read more here.
Vikki Hargrave and The Tanning Room Team
- Salon Expansion – £160k Business Loan
The Tanning Room, a chain of beauty salons, led by female entrepreneur Victoria Hargrave, sought funding to open an additional location in Stroud. SWIG Finance provided a £160,000 loan to help the business to expand and serve more clients across the region. Since receiving the funding, the salon has gone from strength to strength, becoming a prominent name in the West Country’s beauty industry.
In fact, Vikki and The Tanning Room recently scooped three awards at the Best United Kingdom’s Small Business Awards – winning the Best Small Business (Beauty), Best in Class – Women-led Business, and Vikki herself won Best Entrepreneur (Beauty) – find out more about the award wins here.
Read more about The Tanning Room’s funding story here.
Thanks to this cash boost from SWIG Finance, we were able to accelerate our growth plans and have now opened our sixth salon. My Business Manager, Nicki Kimberley, went into so much detail when we were discussing my application, and she made me feel like the sky was the limit.
I speak to female entrepreneurs every day, and I know from experience that many women feel intimidated when it comes to accessing finance. I always try to encourage these female business owners to speak to someone like Nicki, who will make them feel believed in, heard, and valued.
I think Nicki would have been just as disappointed as me if the application was not successful, she really bought into my business and our growth plans.
The Importance of Supporting Women-Led Businesses
Supporting women-led businesses is vital not just for individual success but for fostering a more inclusive economy. According to the British Business Bank’s Investing in Women Code Report 2024, women-led businesses receive a significantly smaller portion of external finance than their male counterparts. Yet, when they do receive the right financial support, these businesses often show high growth potential. The same report highlights that businesses with female leadership tend to be more focused on sustainability and social impact, aligning closely with broader ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals.
At SWIG Finance, we are committed to breaking down the barriers that prevent women business owners from accessing the finance they need. Women often feel less confident when applying for external finance, and the perception of the financial industry as male-dominated can be a significant hurdle. Our lending teams help to create a welcoming and supportive environment, making it easier for female entrepreneurs to approach us with confidence. By offering flexible, responsible finance options, we aim to bridge the gender finance gap and ensure that women-led businesses have the same opportunities to thrive.
Building Confidence through Workshops
At SWIG Finance, we don’t just provide funding—we also help build confidence. Through initiatives like workshops with “Mums in Business” organisations, we aim to equip female entrepreneurs with the tools they need to confidently pitch their business ideas and navigate financial challenges. These workshops focus on knowing your business inside and out, being able to answer tough questions, and sharing your passion. This holistic support ensures that women feel empowered not only to grow their businesses but also to approach future opportunities with confidence.
Women-Led Businesses Spotlight Conclusion
Women-led businesses are a powerful force for innovation, social impact, and community development. At SWIG Finance, we are proud to be part of their journey, providing the financial backing they need to succeed. By addressing the specific challenges women entrepreneurs face, we help bridge the gender finance gap and contribute to a more inclusive and diverse business landscape.
If you’re a female entrepreneur looking for funding to take your business to the next level, SWIG Finance is here to help. Get in touch to learn more about how we can support your growth and make your business dreams a reality.
Discover how SWIG Finance can empower your women-led business. Contact us today or visit our website to learn more about our funding options and success stories. Together, we can create a thriving, inclusive economy for all.