East Lothian Investments Ltd (ELI) is a limited company by guarantee with no share capital that is a not for profit organisation. It is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).  

The purpose of ELI is to provide small businesses with financial assistance and aims to alleviate access to finance.

ELI is an arm’s length company of East Lothian Council and the fund is managed by employees of the council but governed by a Board of Directors. The board of directors comprises of two East Lothian Councillors and three private sector business people who provide their time free of charge to the company and who take the decision to award or decline loan applications.  

Loans can be applied for up to £25,000 and are interest free with an arrangement fee of up to 7.5%. ELI is open to businesses at all stages and all sectors and types of businesses, including start up.

You can submit an Expression of Interest at any time. Head to our Application Process page for next steps. 

The deadline for submitting Expressions of Interest to be considered at the December decision board meeting was 18th November. The next decision board meeting will be held in March 2025. If you would like your application to be considered at that meeting, please submit your Expression of Interest by latest 16th February 2025.

East Lothian Investments Ltd. is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.