Investment & Fund Management

In the county town of Wiltshire, South West England, Hannah Thompson and Darren Croman faced significant challenges while trying to establish their party rental business, About-A-Bounce, which specializes in bouncy castles. The couple, motivated by their personal experiences and the joy of their daughter’s first birthday, sought to turn their passion into a professional venture. However, they encountered difficulties in securing funding, as banks deemed them too risky due to their short operational history of just eight months and insufficient financial records. This period was particularly stressful as they were also managing their daughter’s health issues, which made the pursuit of their business even more critical for their emotional well-being.

To overcome these hurdles, Hannah and Darren turned to Fredericks Foundation, a Responsible Finance Provider. They were granted a loan that was guaranteed by the European Investment Fund (EIF) through the EU Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI) programme, which is designed to support microfinance for vulnerable groups. This financial assistance was pivotal for the couple, enabling them to develop their business further. They expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating that the loan allowed them to focus on building a better future for their family. Currently, they operate the business themselves but have plans to hire additional staff within the next year, indicating growth and a positive trajectory for About-A-Bounce.