Thousands of start-up loans offered to West Midlands businesses
Over £75m of investment has been brought to the region through a new loans programme.
Last updated 7th Dec 2022
Around 8000 small businesses in the West Midlands have been launched thanks to a new start-up scheme.
The British Business Bank has brought over £75m of investment to the region through their loans programme.
Nuneaton-based Board Game Bunker was launched in November with the support of the scheme.
Founded by Luke and Emma Smith, they set up the business alongside their busy jobs in the health and social care sector.
The café operates around their existing jobs but offers the potential to expand where necessary.
Luke Smith said: "Myself and Emma have always had a love for board games and have spoken for a while about starting a business together.
"It felt like a no-brainer to marry these two things and we are ecstatic with how it has turned out."
He added: "The process really did help with our decision. It was quick and easy and catered to our initial idea in every way we needed it to."
The British Business Bank has offered loans to over 98,000 small businesses across the country.
Dr Sophie Dale-Black, UK Network Director for the Midlands at the British Business Bank, said: "For me, these are the businesses that make what we do really special, local businesses who are looking to add a new experience to the community.
"This is on top of the great work both Luke and Emma are doing alongside this - they are really putting what we have been able to provide them as means for good."
The scheme has brought in over £900m of investment nationally.