Helping businesses to overcome uncertainty
As Finance For Enterprise (FFE) marks its 40th anniversary, it would be easy to focus on the celebrations.
And while we’re proud of the journey we’ve been on – supporting businesses through four decades of economic highs and lows – the truth is, our work has never been more important than it is right now.
The economic landscape is far from easy. Inflation remains high, uncertainty persists, and many small business owners are grappling with rising costs and cautious consumer confidence. But at FFE, we don’t see economic turbulence as a barrier—we see it as a catalyst for action.
In fact, the worse the economic climate, the more vital our role becomes.
As a Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI), we exist to provide finance when the mainstream says no. We’re not driven by credit scores or algorithms; we’re driven by potential. We believe in people, in ideas, and in the impact that well-placed finance can make to a forward-thinking SME.
That belief has fuelled more than £100 million in lending since FFE was founded. And in 2024 alone, we’ve delivered meaningful loans to brilliant businesses across the UK
With £25 million in new capital to lend—thanks to support from the Community Investment Enterprise Fund, Lloyds Bank, and Big Society Capital—we’re doubling down on our mission. This funding forms part of a larger £62 million initiative aimed at ensuring SMEs in England and Wales have the access to finance they need to thrive.
We know the demand is there. Ambitious business owners are out there innovating, investing, and pushing forward, even in the face of economic headwinds. They just need the right support.
That’s why our approach is so different. Every application we receive is reviewed by a real person—an experienced business lending manager who takes time to understand each unique case. It’s a human-led process designed to foster opportunity, not restrict it.
So, as we celebrate 40 years of impact, we’re not looking back—we’re looking forward. To more businesses financed. More communities supported. And more ambitious entrepreneurs given the opportunity to realise their potential.
At Finance For Enterprise, we’re here for the long haul. As we navigate these uncertain times, we remain committed to being a steady, supportive partner to the SMEs who keep our economy moving
To read our impact report click here:

To find out more about how Finance For Enterprise can help your business call: 0333 014 3455.