The Trust will offer loans which can only be used for the purposes agreed between the applicant and the Trust.
A loan will typically be given for a period up to 3 years, interest free, with repayments starting after year one at an agreed rate.
- The Trust normally assists between 20 and 30 businesses per annum with loans up to £10,000 in value, usually in the region of £5,000.
- Loans can be given for any legitimate business activity, eg capital development, working capital, training, marketing and so forth.
- Loans from the Trust will be treated by most public sector funders as private input to the project. Thus the Trust’s funds might be used, for example, as a way of contributing to a capital expenditure project.
- The Trust awards can supplement, but not substitute, existing public sector assistance.
- Special consideration will be given to innovative and environmental projects and those using and promoting the use of local resources.
- Creating employment is a key priority for the trust.
In addition to financial support, the SJ Noble Trust also offers:
- Experienced, friendly mentoring from a wide range of trustees who are passionate about helping entrepreneurs in Argyll.
- Understanding of people’s businesses and the constraints. we are working to remove these through contact with local government, enterprise, and national government.
- Networking with other Noble Trust beneficiaries through annual gatherings to share experiences, good and bad, across the challenging business landscape of Argyll.
