Thousands given to businesses and students

A CHARITY which helps students and entrepreneurs achieve their goals has handed out more than £185,000 in the final three months of 2017.

The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity gave £124,100 to be used to help 10 people start up or develop businesses within Leicestershire and Rutland, while a further £61,320 will be delivered to enable eight students to continue their studies at postgraduate level.

The charity has helped numerous enterprises in Hinckley and Bosworth in the past including the Sewing Cafe and the Stottie Shop.

The latest figure takes the total sum approved in interest-free loans for 2017 to £388,975 - aiding the development of 21 businesses and the personal progression of more than 15 students continuing their studies.

Businesses benefiting from the charity’s support in the latest quarter include a mobile caterer, web development set-up, two language tuition providers, an optician and a home interior/design company.

One of Leicestershire’s oldest charities, The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity provides business loans of up to £20,000 and education loans of up to £10,000, to people aged between 18 and 35.

The loans are completely interest-free for nine years, with equal monthly repayments commencing three years after the loan has been taken out. While all businesses must be established within Leicestershire or Rutland to be eligible for a loan, education loan applicants can use funding to study anywhere in the world.

For more information about The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity visit www.stwcharity.co.uk where you can also register for an application pack.