Social investment is a rapidly evolving field. The examples outlined in this publication show how E3M Members are working with specialist funders and expert advisors to pioneer the use of a range of different financial tools to raise the capital they need to grow.

Social enterprises are used to breaking new ground. And, when you are doing work that consistently challenges the status quo, it can be difficult to find the capital to fuel that work.

Like many businesses, social enterprises need finance for asset acquisition, working capital, and growth capital to finance business acquisitions and new contracts. They need significant finance on acceptable terms which doesn’t ask them to divert their mission.

Those in the business of social change are known for being innovative. In this publication, we share learning from our E3M events and discussions with our Members to show how social businesses and their supporters are paving the way with new and creative finance deals and instruments.

The publication includes practical insights on offer from those using everything from unsecured loans to bond issues (unlisted and listed) and quasi-equity deals. We also cover democratic finance and examine some fascinating case studies which illustrate how tax reliefs are being used to boost access to investment.

We would like to thank Big Society Capital for supporting our 2014 finance seminar and this publication.

E3M_Financing Growth_June 2015