Could Your Business Be Missing Out? £14.8 Million in Loans Unlocked Across the South West

Small firms in Cornwall and beyond benefit from record funding boost

SWIG Finance has revealed record-breaking lending figures in its 2024/25 Impact Report, with £14.8 million delivered to small and medium-sized businesses across the South and West Country.

As a Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI), SWIG Finance provides funding to businesses that are viable but can’t get backing from traditional lenders.

Over 560 Businesses Backed

Of the total lending, £7.6 million went to more than 80 SMEs for a range of business needs. Around 28% of this was used to boost productivity. Meanwhile, over 480 Start Up Loans were issued, totalling £7.2 million.

The organisation says this support generated £75.7 million in Social Impact Value. Managing Director John Peters credited the success to the team, partners and funders, explaining the finance helps drive “ambition, resilience, and regional growth”.

Reaching Those Who Need it Most

SWIG’s support went beyond numbers. Around £3.4 million of the funding was directed towards businesses in economically deprived areas, where access to finance is often out of reach. The funding is designed to help level the playing field and support social mobility within local communities.

SWIG Finance is a non-profit distributing organisation, with all profits reinvested to help more customers each year. It focuses on relationship-based lending decisions, looking at potential rather than relying on collateral. Every applicant receives personal support and guidance.

New Partnerships for 2025/26

In the past year, SWIG Finance joined the Community Investment Enterprise Fund – a national coalition of socially-driven CDFIs backed by Better Society Capital and Triodos Bank. The move unlocked an extra £10 million in lending capital for the year ahead.

The company has also teamed up locally with Lendology CIC and Great Western Credit Union to create a new Community Finance Partnership. The aim is to make it easier for people and businesses to access the funding they need.

For more information or to speak with their team, contact info@swigfinance.co.uk or call 01872 227 930.