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GC Business Finance
GC Business Finance is a not-for-profit lender specialising in simple, hassle-free loans and equity finance to help businesses start, grow and thrive.
GC Business Finance
GC Business Finance is a not-for-profit lender specialising in simple, hassle-free loans and equity finance to help businesses start, grow and thrive. Established in 2002, it supports SMEs unable to obtain funding through mainstream lenders such as high street banks. It is an FCA-regulated responsible finance lender and a trading name of The Enterprise Fund Limited, a subsidiary of The Growth Company Limited.
General information
Firm type
Generalist
Year founded
2002
Location
Region
Europe
Country
United Kingdom
City
Manchester
Corporate office
Manchester, United Kingdom
Principals
Aaron Malins
Director of GC Business Finance
Marc Shirman
Head of Equity Investments at GC Angels
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who runs investment decisions at GC Business Finance?
Aaron Malins serves as Director of GC Business Finance, overseeing the firm's lending operations. Marc Shirman leads GC Angels, the equity investment division that handles direct startup investments. Both operate within the framework of The Growth Company, the parent social enterprise that sets the strategic and economic development mandate.
How does GC Business Finance source deal flow?
The firm sources through its status as a patron of the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB), its membership in the Responsible Finance network, and direct relationships with regional business support organizations. As a delivery partner for British Business Bank programs, it also receives referrals tied to government-backed loan schemes, creating a pipeline distinct from typical venture cold outreach.
Does GC Business Finance participate in fund commitments or only direct deals?
The firm executes direct loans and direct equity investments. It also jointly manages public-private investment vehicles — notably the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II Smaller Loans in the North West, managed in partnership with River Capital. Its model combines direct origination with fiduciary management of government-backed regional funds.
How is GC Business Finance related to The Growth Company?
GC Business Finance is a wholly owned subsidiary and the primary finance delivery arm of The Growth Company, a Manchester-headquartered social enterprise focused on economic development, skills training, and business support. The parent organization does not distribute profits to shareholders; investment returns are recycled into further lending and economic programs.
Which sectors does GC Business Finance typically target?
Portfolio sectors align with Northern England's regional industrial strategy priorities: digital and enterprise software, health innovation and digital health, fintech, and clean growth or climate technology. The firm does not operate in hard industrial infrastructure or resource extraction; its focus is firmly on early-stage service and technology businesses.
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