The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity (STWLC) has approved £353,500 in interest-free loans during its latest application round, supporting local businesses and postgraduate students across Leicestershire and Rutland.

A total of 23 loans were approved, with funding allocated to help people develop their businesses and pursue further education.

20 business loans totalling £323,500 were approved to support a variety of local enterprises, including roofing services, a lash technician, physiotherapy and an espresso bar.

Meanwhile, three education loans totalling £30,000 were approved to support postgraduate study across a range of courses, including an MA Theatre Costume and MSc Sports Engineering.

This latest allocation, combined with amounts from earlier rounds this year, means that STWLC has approved a massive £796,100 in interest-free loans in 2026 so far.

Lucy Womack, Chair of STWLC, said: “We’re delighted to continue supporting ambitious people across Leicestershire and Rutland with our interest-free loans.

“These latest approvals will help a wide range of individuals develop their businesses and pursue their postgraduate studies, and we’re pleased to be able to play a part in helping them achieve their ambitions.

“We look forward to seeing the impact these recipients will go on to make in their businesses, careers and local communities.”

Established in 1542, STWLC hosts quarterly application windows each year in which people aged over 18 and under 45 can apply for unique interest-free loans of up to £20,000 to aid local businesses, or £10,000 to support students wishing to return to postgraduate education. The Charity’s loans are interest-free for nine years and become repayable by equal instalments after three years.

Application packs are available to download upon completion of a contact form on our website.

The next deadline for applications is 3:30pm on Thursday 1 October 2026.