The Bridges Social Entrepreneurs Fund is an initiative of the Bridges Charitable Trust to address the funding gap often faced by fast growing social enterprises looking to scale. Launched in November 2008, the fund has so far raised £4.25m for investment in scalable social enterprises delivering high social impacts and operating sustainable business models.

What is the funding for?

NB They do not offer grants or bank loans.

The Bridges Social Entrepreneurs Fund invests in social enterprises that have:

* a clear social mission (protected in their legal structure)
* a robust business model
* the ability to grow to scale and increase their social impact
* a financially sustainable model
* the ability to generate surpluses to repay financing
* a strong management team

How much is available?

Each investment made by the fund will be:

* up to £1m
* structured as a flexible and tailored investment, usually in the form of quasi-equity
* repayable, with an appropriate return, through the social enterprise's trading activities

Who can apply?
Social Enterprises or Social Entrepreneurs

When to apply
The fund is currently open for submissions (as at May 2009).

How to apply
A Business Plan has to be submitted for appraisal. Click here to find out how to do this.

Further information on the Fund can be found at the website.

Key words: social entrepreneur, social enterprise, investment.