GRS Retail Ltd was founded by Steven Singh and Gurwinder Kaur, both semi-retired professionals with a strong background in property management and retail industry. Seeing a gap in their local market for a high-quality convenience store, they decided to transform one of their vacant units into a vibrant retail space. Their vision was to offer a much-needed, accessible shopping option for the local community.
Scrandaddy Limited, trading as Sip & Bark, was founded by Craig and Kasia Neilson in Sep 2022 prior to opening for business in April 2024. Sip & Bark is an innovative café and wine bar located in the affluent Stockbridge area of Edinburgh, designed to cater to both humans and their canine companions.
Kedras Clinics, founded by clinical psychologist Dr Dawn Harris in 2022, is a pioneering performance and wellbeing clinic specialising in neurotechnology, a cutting-edge neuromodulator known as neurofeedback. The clinics cater to children, young people, adults, sports professionals, and businesses, offering programmes designed to enhance brain function, reduce stress, and improve overall mental and physical health.
Don Basilico, based in Kirkcaldy and founded by Massimo Panarella, offers authentic Italian pizza. Inspired by his family’s trattoria in Milan, Massimo started his business in April 2023, alongside his 22-year-old son Michael. He began with a small, rented, vintage-style food truck, where he handcrafted all the pizzas.
Cruive Estate Agent Ltd is a small estate agency founded by Judith McGill and her business partner, David Forsyth. Judith takes the lead as the managing director, fulfilling a lifelong dream of owning her own estate agency. With David’s support, they brought this dream to fruition in February 2024
Taylor Made Kilts showcases how strategic planning, industry expertise, and access to SME finance can transform entrepreneurial aspirations into prosperous businesses. Through the support of DSL Business Finance, Glenn and Paula have realised their dream of establishing a thriving enterprise that honours Scotland’s heritage while supporting the local economy.
"My dream became a reality due to the loan from DSL" 
“We didn’t think anyone would back us, but DSL did.” 
“We were able to purchase new equipment to continue growing our business.” 
“Fantastic advice every step of the way helped get me started. Even during difficulties I was given time and help.” 
“With help from DSL, we were able to move premises for expansion, put all our staff through their relevant qualifications, buy vehicles and work stations, etc. …None of this would have been possible if it wasn’t for DSL believing in my vision and supplying the funding which allowed me to grow the practice at a much faster pace.” 
“The funding from DSL Business Finance was critical to supporting the work we wanted to do to the building and helped us through lockdown.” 
“The funding from DSL met my requirements and I very quickly had access to the capital to buy the second campervan. DSL was highly supportive and very engaged throughout the process.” 
“Receiving the funding and support from DSL Business Finance was an essential stepping stone in this next phase of CopperCairn, and the application process has been incredibly smooth from start to finish.” 
“The DSL loans officer for the Inverness area, Murray Marshall, gave me fantastic advice every step of the way and helped me to achieve my business goals.” 