As shops shut for good and historic buildings lie vacant – while local authorities remain strapped for cash – a new breed of ‘social enterprise developers’ is helping to repair, restore and convert properties into sustainable new uses.
There’s a new wave of diverse-led social enterprises in the UK, many ambitious and ready to grow. Yet often they’re unaware of, or unable to access, the right support or investment – or they're discouraged to even try. What needs to change?
The Architectural Heritage Fund CEO on why its remit now goes beyond solely heritage-focused organisations – and the vital role that social enterprises can play in rebuilding the community fabric of our towns.
PLUS: BNP Paribas and European Investment Fund create €10m impact bond fund, SIS Ventures' second fundraise, US foundations back affordable food business Everytable, Dutch firm Tony’s Chocolonely secures new investment, and more.
PLUS: Croatia’s first social impact fund, $100m financing partnership for emerging market ventures, new ‘repayable grants’ for Scottish environmental businesses, Canada’s MaRS Catalyst Fund rebrands and expands, and more.
Plus: Bridges raises £35m for second social outcomes fund, Palladium's first impact fund targets $40m for African small businesses, Scotland's first community-owned school building and impactful chocolate in Indonesia...
