What we do
Financing the future economy
The right kind of finance – at the right time – can ultimately make or break the success of community businesses.
When there is affordable, flexible and accessible finance available, community businesses can thrive. Using the breadth of our learning and experience, we advocate for more affordable, flexible, and accessible finance for community businesses. We leverage investment into the community business sector through working in partnership. And we invest in new ways of increasing the long-term financial sustainability of community businesses, testing ways to break the cycle of grant dependency.
We shape the conditions for the future economy – a fairer economy that works for people and planet. To do this, we influence decision-makers – from funders to regional authorities – to grow the social economy and shape finance that works for everyone.
Want to work with us? Contact our Portfolio Manager, Matt Fazal.
Current projects
Resources for community businesses
Whether you’re wanting to start a community business or looking to do something different for your community, we have resources and tips that can help. Including resources and funding opportunities from our partners.
Research and reports
Evidence on why accessible and flexible finance works for communities
Community Business Market Report 2024
Financing the future economy: How community businesses can access the right finance to achieve their ambitions
Resilient Communities Fund: Review
News and views
Our latest thinking and updates on high streets.
£2.5bn of levelling up funding stuck in limbo, public demand significant change in approach
Financing the future economy report launch
SAFE Regeneration, Bootle
Get inspired
Stories of the power of accessible and flexible finance
Sister Midnight
Black and Brown-led Social Trader’s (BlaST) Network
