Businessman is betting on people power to convert bookies into a bar

Cork businessman Ernest Cantillon is betting on people power to fund his latest business venture.

The vintner and former president of the Cork Business Association has become the first entrepreneur to sign up for the new Business Growth Scheme by peer-to-peer lending company, Linked Finance.

The scheme is a new initiative to Ireland, where SMEs can apply to have their expansion loans fully funded by members of the public through the online company as an alternative to the banking system.