Let’s Do Business Finance named accredited lender for Community ENABLE Funding

The British Business Bank has announced Let’s Do Business Finance as one of the first accredited delivery partners for its Community ENABLE Funding (CEF) programme, marking a major step in boosting financial support for underserved smaller businesses across the South East of England.

The announcement comes as the £150 million CEF initiative rolls out across the UK, with the aim of increasing access to affordable finance for businesses that have traditionally been excluded from mainstream lending. Let’s Do Business Finance, a not-for-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), joins First Enterprise, which has been accredited to serve the Midlands.

From May 2025, Let’s Do Business Finance will have access to up to £6 million in capital to support smaller businesses across the South East. The funding will be targeted toward enterprises in disadvantaged areas, female- and ethnic minority-led businesses, and those who struggle to access conventional financial services.

Let’s Do Business Finance provides business loans funded through regional initiatives, with a focus on start-ups and smaller businesses. The organisation reinvests surplus funds to further stimulate local economic growth and job creation.

Under the CEF programme, loans starting from £25,001 will be offered, with all lending decisions delegated to accredited delivery partners to ensure local expertise is at the heart of the process. The programme is designed to strengthen the social impact lending sector, enabling community lenders to reach more businesses and build a more diverse and resilient small business ecosystem.

Reinald de Monchy, Co-Chief Banking Officer, Products at the British Business Bank, praised the appointment:

“We are delighted to announce Let’s Do Business Finance as one of the first accredited lenders for the Community ENABLE Funding programme, following its successful launch in November last year. The company has a strong record of supporting smaller businesses in the South East, particularly those that face challenges in accessing finance from mainstream lenders. They have shown a clear commitment and genuine passion for empowering these businesses and we are excited to see the meaningful impact they will deliver.”

Sean Dennis, Managing Director at Let’s Do Business Finance, welcomed the accreditation:

“Becoming an accredited partner of the Community ENABLE Funding programme marks an important milestone as a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting small businesses with access to finance. This accreditation will enable us to extend our reach, providing vital funding to communities and individuals who often face barriers when seeking traditional finance options.”

The programme is part of a broader national strategy to build the capacity of CDFIs, which use their local knowledge and tailored support to help businesses that might otherwise be left behind.

Theodora Hadjimichael, CEO of Responsible Finance, added: “We’re delighted that Let’s Do Business Finance and First Enterprise have become the first accredited lenders for the Community ENABLE Funding programme. We are excited to see the impact they will generate for their small businesses and hope to see more community lenders across the whole UK join them in the coming months.”

The British Business Bank’s Community ENABLE Funding initiative is expected to support £150 million in lending over the next two years, providing a vital boost to the UK’s community finance landscape and helping unlock economic potential in regions that need it most.