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17 Oct 2024

Raise finance

By Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals (BCCM)

This guide explains how social enterprises can raise money beyond grants and donations by involving their community and members. It focuses on using a co-operative structure to attract investment, share ownership and build long-term financial support while staying true to social purpose.

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Summary

Social enterprises interested in raising social and community investment can consider the co-operative model with this practical handbook, featuring essential guidance and inspiring case studies. It covers the key legal and technical aspects of capital raising for founders and communities, including:

  • A range of financing options, from debt-financing (interest-based loans to your enterprise) to equity-like investments (don’t worry it’s all in the handbook)
  • How co-operative shares, debentures, and co-operative capital units work.

 This handbook is a valuable resource for social enterprises seeking sustainable growth, helping communities and members ethically invest in their purpose to drive lasting impact. This manual is masterfully put together in plain-English by Robyn Donnelly for the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals.

Other resources include:

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