EAST of England entrepreneurs have the chance to apply for loans of up to �200,000 to help start-up and grow businesses - even if they have been refused by their banks.

EAST of England entrepreneurs have the chance to apply for loans of up to �200,000 to help start-up and grow businesses - even if they have been refused by their banks.

The East of England Development Agency (EEDA) has loan programmes in place to help businesses looking to borrow between �500 and �200,000.

Small Loans for Business offers between �500 and �50,000 to regional businesses whose funding applications have been refused by the banks.

Alternatively, EEDA's Regional Growth Loan can provide up to �200,000 for small to medium-sized businesses that have a potential for long-term growth and a workable business proposition.

EEDA is also providing a helping hand to companies unsure of their funding or finance needs through its Understanding Finance for Business programme which is designed to prepare companies for raising finance, from whatever channel.

To find out more about regional loans and grants, or to register for the Understanding Finance for Business programme, visit www.eeda.org.uk/finance.