One of the UK’s oldest business charities has helped to grow one of Leicester’s youngest business networks to become bigger than ever.

Established in 2013, Leicester Startups is a community dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs with innovative startup businesses.

It now boasts 70 members, its largest ever number, thanks in part to sponsorship from The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity (STWLC).

Now for a third year running STWLC is renewing its sponsorship with Leicester Startups with the aim of further supporting local founders.

Lucy Womack, Chair of Trustees at STWLC, said:

“We are delighted to have renewed our sponsorship with Leicester Startups for 2025, which we hope will continue to connect STWLC to a local community of entrepreneurs who can benefit from our interest-free business loans.

 “Working together, we’re excited to meet more entrepreneurs in Leicester Startups’ network, while opening doors for businesses who require financial support to get off the ground or expand further.

 “Last year we approved a huge figure of £545,600 in interest-free loans, so we’re looking forward to increasing that positive influence further throughout 2025.”

STWLC’s continued support of Leicester Startups in 2025 will enable the Community Interest Company to help even more founders through its wide range of community events, its accelerator programme and communications.

Local entrepreneur Ben Ravilious founded Leicester Startups to help existing and aspiring startup founders seek advice, mentorship and co-founders. He said:

“We know there’s a growing appetite for entrepreneurship in the East Midlands, particularly for tech startups, and so this continued sponsorship from The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity is a massive help for us to deliver more support to the entrepreneurial community in the area.”

 

Founded in 1542 by one of the City’s most generous benefactors, Sir Thomas White, STWLC provides interest-free loans for new start-up founders and existing businesses needing investment.

Although he never actually set foot in Leicester, Sir Thomas is honoured by being included as one of the four statues around the Clock Tower in Leicester city centre.

For more information about STWLC’s interest-free loans, visit www.stwcharity.co.uk