An investment boost, an award nomination, and important events on the horizon

There has been plenty of change across the UK this month. Following Keir Starmer’s resignation, the country has welcomed a new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, alongside a new cabinet. With fresh priorities, new policies, and plenty of headlines, many business owners may be wondering what the months ahead will bring.

At First Enterprise, however, one thing hasn't changed.

Our commitment to supporting ambitious businesses across the East Midlands and beyond remains exactly the same.

Governments may come and go, economic conditions will always evolve, but entrepreneurs still need trusted advice, fair finance, and people who genuinely understand the challenges of running a business.

July has been another busy month for our team, with exciting sector news, award recognition, community events, and plenty more still to come.

Government investment brings welcome boost for community finance

One of the biggest announcements this past month was the Government's significant investment into the Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI) sector.

The British Business Bank's Growth Guarantee Scheme will receive a £6.5 billion uplift, alongside continued expansion of the Community ENABLE Funding (CEF) programme, helping CDFIs like First Enterprise unlock more funding for the businesses that need it most.

The Government has also reaffirmed its commitment to the community finance sector, recognising the important role CDFIs play in supporting entrepreneurs who are often overlooked by mainstream lenders.

These announcements build on the work of the Community Finance Taskforce, which is bringing together banks, government, and the community finance sector to strengthen access to finance.

Combined with increased investment into CDFI capacity and capability, the ambition is to unlock an additional £1 billion of SME lending over the next five years.

Danielle Davis, our Deputy Director, said: "This is fantastic news for the community finance sector and, more importantly, for the businesses we exist to support. Every day, we see ambitious entrepreneurs with strong ideas who simply need someone willing to look beyond a credit score.

"Greater investment in CDFIs means more opportunities to help businesses start, grow, and create lasting impact in their communities. We're proud to be part of a sector that puts people and potential first."

The funding represents a major vote of confidence in community lenders like First Enterprise and recognises the vital role CDFIs play in supporting businesses that may struggle to access finance through traditional lenders.

Every day we work with entrepreneurs who have strong business ideas but don't always fit the criteria of high street banks. Through flexible lending and personal support, we've helped thousands of businesses start, grow and create jobs in their local communities.

This latest investment will strengthen the sector's ability to continue doing exactly that. It means more businesses can benefit from responsible lending, expert guidance and the kind of relationship-based support that has always been at the heart of community finance.

It's encouraging to see the value of CDFIs recognised nationally, and we're excited about what this means for businesses over the coming years.

We’ve been shortlisted for the Social Impact Award

We're also proud to announce we’ve been shortlisted for the Social Impact Award at The Business Desk’s East Midlands Business of the Year Awards.

The award recognises organisations creating meaningful, lasting impact within their communities, something that has always been central to our mission.

Every business we support has its own story. Some are launching for the very first time, others are expanding, creating jobs or overcoming challenges. Being recognised for helping entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities access finance and support is something we're incredibly proud of.

While awards are always appreciated, the greatest recognition comes from seeing our customers succeed. Their achievements remain our biggest motivation.

We'll be keeping our fingers crossed for the awards ceremony and wish all the finalists the very best of luck.

Supporting the Tour of Britain

The Tour of Britain is set to arrive in Lincoln and Lincolnshire this September 2026. It’s fantastic news for the region. This high-profile, internationally recognised sporting event will bring a surge of visitors to the area, boosting footfall across hospitality, retail, and attractions.

With coverage beamed to audiences around the world, Lincolnshire will be firmly in the spotlight, showcasing everything that makes the city and county unique.

Events like these do more than showcase world-class sport. They bring communities together.

From cafés and restaurants to retailers and service businesses, many local enterprises enjoy a welcome boost whenever major events come to town.

As an organisation committed to supporting local economies, it's fantastic to see events that shine a spotlight on the communities where so many of our customers operate.

Keep an eye out for networking events

Our team has been keeping busy throughout July, attending events across the region, meeting business owners, partners, and fellow support organisations.

Our Investment Managers, Zainab and Inderpal, were proud to attend the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce's South Asian Heritage Month Celebration.

The event brought together businesses, community leaders, and professionals from across the region to celebrate the contributions of South Asian communities to business, culture, and society.

It was a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow Chamber members, connect with local business owners, and hear from the Mayor, while building new relationships that help strengthen our business community.

A big thank you to the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce for hosting such a welcoming and inspiring evening.

Meet our team at an upcoming networking event

If you're thinking about starting or growing a business, we'd love to meet you at one of our upcoming events.

She Scales: Female Founders – Enabling Tech to Scale takes place on the 30^th of July.

Our advisors, Rosa and Zainab, will be attending this event designed to support ambitious female founders exploring how technology can help scale their businesses. It's a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, hear from expert speakers and learn more about the support available.

Then on the 11^th of August, there’s the Chamber x Kuku Connect Affiliation Celebration Evening.

Rosa will be representing First Enterprise at this networking evening, bringing together businesses from across the region to build new relationships and celebrate collaboration within the local business community.

Finally on the 20^th of August, there is The Business Desk Summer Networking Lunch.

Zainab will be attending this popular networking lunch in Nottingham, providing another great opportunity to connect with local businesses, share ideas, and discuss how First Enterprise can help businesses achieve their ambitions.

If you're planning to attend any of these events, please come and say hello. We'd love to hear about your business, answer any questions you have about finance, and explore how we may be able to support your next stage of growth.

Be sure to register in advance to secure your place.

Need a funding partner you can trust? Our advisors are here to build long-term relationships with you

While politics, markets and headlines will always change, successful businesses are built on something much more consistent: trusted relationships.

At First Enterprise, many of our advisers have spent years supporting businesses across the region. They understand that every entrepreneur's journey is different and that good finance is about more than simply lending money. It's about providing honest advice, taking time to understand your ambitions and being there whenever you need support.

Whether you're just starting out, planning your next investment or exploring your finance options, we're here to help. To get in touch with our advisors, simply complete the form below or call us at 0345 602 7355.

Get in touch

If you're looking for a lending partner that believes in long-term relationships, practical advice, and putting people first, we'd love to hear from you.