Financial support
When a member is hit by something outside their control, the WBWO Welfare Fund may be able to lend to help the business recover. When you’re ready to grow, we can introduce you to investors and lenders who want to work with genuine businesses. We look at every request on its merits, and support isn’t guaranteed.
What you get
- Hardship loans from the Welfare Fund, on terms agreed with you in writing before any money is paid
- Introductions to investors and lenders in the WBWO network
- Help preparing your case, from the figures to the paperwork
- A welfare officer who stays in touch while the business recovers
How it works
Become eligible
Be a member for at least a year, in the Small business category or above, with your proof of turnover approved by our staff.
Apply from your account
The loan application opens in your member account once you’re eligible. Tell us how much you need, what it’s for and what happened.
Assessment
A welfare officer reviews your request, and the Welfare Fund panel decides on any loan using rules we publish.
Agreement
If we can help, you get the loan terms or the introduction in writing. Investors and lenders make their own decisions.
What a hardship loan can help with
- Recovering from a natural disaster, fire or flood
- Serious illness or death of an owner
- Theft or fraud against the business
- Sudden loss of a market, such as a border closure or new sanctions
What we can’t do
- Guarantee a loan or an investment
- Pay off debts from before the event
- Cover fines or penalties
- Replace insurance you already have
Questions
- Do we have to pay the money back?
- Yes. Support from the Welfare Fund is a loan, on terms we agree with you in writing before any money is paid. Repayments go back into the fund to help other members.
- Will WBWO guarantee that an investor funds us?
- No. We introduce you to investors and lenders who work with genuine businesses. Whether they invest, and on what terms, is their decision.
- Will asking for help affect our certification?
- No. Asking for support never counts against a member’s certification.