From launch in 1997 and enhanced by the introduction of Community Investment Tax Relief (CITR) for Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs), which is available to funders and investors in ART Business Loans, the provision of access to finance for Ethnic Minority Businesses (EMBs) has always been part of ART’s mission.
Recent research (Ethnicity and Bank lending before and during Covid-19. Cowling, Liu, and Conway June 2021) which examined the supply and demand for finance for EMBs has re-confirmed our own experience over many years: that the greatest challenges for all businesses, including EMB led, is being at early-stage growth and when they cannot meet the requirements of the banks in terms of own stake, security, or information.
Our Chief Executive, Dr Steve Walker, reflects on the research and the impact COVID-19 has had on EMBs here: https://www.propelhub.org/access-to-finance-for-small-businesses/
Examples of EMBs supported by ART Business Loans over the years can be found here: https://artbusinessloans.co.uk/casestudies/
August 15, 2021 5:42 pm