In a landscape where traditional funding from mainstream banks often isn’t enough, DSL provides business loans in Scotland, backing entrepreneurs like Emma Loen. Emma now runs two thriving salons with the help of DSL’s financial support.
Mollie Powney, a qualified personal trainer, identified a crucial gap in health and wellbeing services for individuals suffering from long-term neurological or chronic conditions in Elgin and surrounding areas. Project Neuro was born out of Mollie’s passion to provide a private facility catering specifically to this group. Despite little advertising, the business quickly gained popularity, highlighting the pressing need for such services in the community.
Glenn and Jen, are a board game-loving couple from Aberdeen who transformed their passion into a thriving business known as “Rent, Shuffle & Roll Ltd.” Faced with the common challenges of limited space and underused games in their growing collection, they conceived a creative solution.
Paul Cannavan, a former criminal defence lawyer based in Edinburgh, embarked on a remarkable journey that took him far from the courtroom to the serene woodlands of Speyside, Scotland. Recognising an untapped market for high-end cabin accommodation, he transformed an abandoned clay pigeon shooting site near the Glenlivet Distillery into a welcoming haven for tourists and holidaymakers. To bring this vision to life, he approached DSL Business Finance for a loan to as part of his comprehensive funding plan.
Dramtubes, a whisky company based in Milngavie and co-owned by industry veteran Alan Irvine, embarked on a mission to broaden access to rare and high-priced whiskies by packaging them in convenient taster-sized glass tubes. To turn this vision into reality and extend their market reach, Alan sought support from DSL Business Finance through the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme for a loan of £20,000
Maria had raised part of the money required to start the business. However, she was unable to obtain remaining amount from elsewhere. Without DSL’s assistance, the business would not have been able to progress its plans, and the opportunity to start or grow would be lost. Therefore, Maria approached DSL Business Finance Ltd for a loan to help finance the restaurant’s opening
"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.” 