Coventry and Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust

Overview

Coventry and Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust (CWRT) is a not-for-profit, FCA-accredited specialist finance and business support provider established in 2004. The organisation focuses on improving access to finance for businesses and social enterprises that are unable to secure funding from mainstream lenders. CWRT's mission is to enable inclusive economic growth by offering fair, flexible finance and comprehensive support to entrepreneurs and businesses across Coventry, Warwickshire, and the wider region. Since its inception, CWRT has loaned over £37.4 million to local businesses, assisting nearly 1,000 enterprises. The organisation provides loans to pre-start businesses, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking growth, and social enterprises. CWRT is particularly committed to supporting underrepresented groups, including women-led and ethnic minority-led businesses, aiming to address barriers to finance and promote diversity within the local business ecosystem. CWRT operates as a Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI) and is a member of Responsible Finance. It is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), ensuring adherence to high standards of financial regulation. The organisation's funding partners include the British Business Bank, Coventry City Council, and Warwickshire County Council, enabling CWRT to provide flexible, affordable alternatives to high-interest lenders and support businesses through volatile markets and tightening credit conditions.

Investment Focus

• Businesses unable to secure funding from mainstream lenders
• Pre-start businesses
• Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking growth
• Social enterprises
• Underrepresented groups including women-led and ethnic minority-led businesses