A BizBritain backed entrepreneur in Stratford-upon-Avon who was looking to start a business making Shakespeare accessible to children through animation, has been announced as the 20,000th recipient of a government backed Start Up Loan.

Melissa Mailer-Yates, 55, who is also a portrait artist, has been offered £6,000 by BizBritain after she submitted her successful Start Up Loan application.

Melissa will use the loan to finance Shakespuss & Co Ltd, which is developing animated characters aimed at introducing children to Shakespeare’s plays. The idea came from stories she read to her children. Stockists in Stratford have already shown considerable interest in her products and a launch is planned for December in time for Christmas.

Melissa said I have extensive international interest in my product, and this seed-funding has given me the opportunity to bring it to market. Hopefully it will lead to children all over the world dragging their parents to the UK to visit the birthplace of Shakespuss, and subsequently result in a younger generation keen to explore the wonders of Shakespeare and the English language.

In addition to having funded 20,000 new businesses, The Start Up Loans Company has now distributed over £100 million nationally to entrepreneurs wanting to set up their own business.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said The economic hardship we’ve experienced over the last few years has not stopped the flow of business ideas and people wanting to start up their own companies. This British entrepreneurial spirit, backed by our loan scheme, will help create the iconic companies of the future. Reaching this milestone shows how fertile the ground is for enterprise.

The people behind these start ups are not only making an important contribution to the future growth of our economy, but also providing an inspiration to countless others who may have the next big idea just around the corner.

Business Minister Matthew Hancock said: This Government is determined to make Britain the best place in the world to start and grow a business. We are backing aspiration like no government before and our Start Up Loans help Britain’s budding entrepreneurs unleash their potential.

Today’s start ups are tomorrow’s global leaders and that’s why it is so important that the Start Up Loans Company provides not only the funding, but also mentoring to help starts ups thrive. Start ups are a key part of our long term economic plan to build a brighter and better Britain.

Chairman of the Start Up Loans Company, James Caan said: I’m delighted that we have managed to reach the 20,000 loans landmark. This significant milestone is a great example of all the good work the team at the Start Up Loans Company are doing to help aspiring entrepreneurs of all ages across the country realise their dreams. We are proud to be part of Britain’s economic revival and we will continue to strive to help the scheme grow. Hopefully it will only be a matter of time before we are celebrating the 30,000 loan.

BizBritain Founder, Matt Gubba added I’m thrilled that we have had the chance to support Melissa in her business venture. We believe the future is bright for Shakespuss & Co, and we’re very much looking forward to supporting Melissa’s continued journey through our program of mentoring and support.

The Government has set a target of awarding 30,000 loans with a total value of £151 million through the Start Up Loans scheme by 2015.

If you would like to find out about applying for a Start Up Loan, you can enquire with BizBritain at the following link:

https://www.startuploans.co.uk/bizbritain