Bristol-based naval architect and boat design consultancy ENPLO has received funding to help establish its profile.
The £15,000 loan, secured through regional alternative finance lender SWIG Finance via The Start Up Loans Company, is being used by ENPLO to provide working capital to cover initial repair costs and marketing expenses. 
Director Despoina Karanta, pictured, is passionate about sustainability and launched the business to convert heritage vessels into greener battery-powered designs, making them more efficient while reducing their carbon footprint.
It also provides consultancy on all aspects of ship and boat design, including repairs and new designs for their customers.
Despoina, a qualified naval architect and marine engineer, has also obtained a professional diploma in yacht and boat design.
SWIG business manager Sarah Osborn, who led the deal, said: “This is an exciting and unique female-led business that has been launched into a male-dominated industry.
“We believe that Despoina will be very successful with her venture and we look forward to seeing how the business evolves”.
Despoina said: “I am very grateful to Sarah and SWIG Finance for their assistance in securing this Start Up Loan. The funding will play a pivotal role in launching the business. Sarah is very knowledgeable and was able to provide advice throughout the application process.”
Start Up Loans managing director Richard Bearman said: “What Despoina has achieved with ENPLO is commendable and I’m proud Start Up Loans has played a part in helping her and so many others across the country to realise their ambition of business ownership.”
SWIG provides loans from £500 to £250,000 to South West start-ups and SMEs that cannot access sufficient support from their bank.
It is an accredited delivery partner for the British Business Bank’s Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) and the Start Up Loans Company.
