Aims/Priorities: Big Issue Invest, UnLtd and Shift partnered to create the £25 million Growth Impact Fund, designed to address structural barriers that diverse-led social enterprises face in accessing investment. The fund supports social purpose organisations tackling inequality in the UK and was initially established with an ambition to invest in around 50-60 ventures.
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.
Who can apply: Applications are accepted from founders who have lived experience of the issue they’re tackling, and who also identify as at least one of the following:
- Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background
- Disabled
- Women
- LGBTQIA+
- From a socio-economically disadvantaged background
If the organisation has a team or a Board, at least 50% must represent one or more of the above groups. The funders expect a clear commitment to improving diversity, equity and inclusion. Eligible organisations must:
- Be legally registered in the UK as a limited company, community interest company (CIC), charity or another eligible legal structure.
- Have an asset lock in place.
- Work in one of the following areas:
- Consumer business.
- Education and learning.
- Employment and training.
- Health and social care.
- Tech for good.
Grant amount: There are three flexible types of investment available:
- Equity - £200,000 to £500,000 for shares in the organisation. (Currently paused until the end of 2026.)
- Revenue share - £200,000 to £750,000 for repayments based on the organisation's revenue performance.
- Debt - £500,000 to £1,500,000 for regular repayments set at an agreed interest rate over several years.
A Pre-Investment grant fund of between £5,000 and £30,000 is also available to help applicants build their capacity for investment. To be eligible for this grant, applicants need to apply for the fund and be selected by a member of the investment team.
Application process: An online application form can be found on the Growth Impact Fund website. Equity investments are currently paused until the end of 2026.
Deadline: Applications can be made at any time.
Contact info: Contact Big Issue Invest - Big Issue Invest
Website: Big Issue Invest - Big Issue Invest