Growth Impact Fund

by Libby Mahoney

Big Issue Invest, UnLtd and Shift have partnered to create a £25 million fund designed to address the structural barriers that diverse social enterprises face. The Growth Impact Fund has invested in 50–60 ventures, focusing on diverse-led social enterprises tackling inequality in the UK.

The Growth Impact Fund provides tailored support packages including loans, grant funding and expert advice to organisations with a social purpose that are focused on tackling inequity and have diverse representation at board and leadership level.

There are three flexible types of investment available:

  • Equity – £200,000 to £500,000 for shares in the organisation.
  • Revenue share – £200,000 to £750,000 for repayments based on the organisation’s revenue performance.
  • Patient debt – £500,000 to £1,500,000 for regular repayments set at an agreed interest rate over several years.

A Technical Assistance grant fund of up to £18,000 is also available. This provides due diligence and wrap around support for social entrepreneurs from diverse, underrepresented communities. To apply for the TA fund, applicants simply need to submit an application for investment. The Growth Impact Fund team will review the application and see if they are a good fit.

For more information click here.