|
Triodos
Opportunities Fund
Financial assistance is available in the form of venture capital
to help social enterprises develop and grow their business.
The Triodos Bank supports companies and institutions that
add cultural value and use money in ways that benefit the
community and the environment. Through its Triodos Opportunities
Fund, they will provide venture capital to established social
enterprises requiring finance to develop their business to
the next level. Triodos Bank will work closely alongside investee
companies and provide advice to assist their long- term development.
What
is the funding for?
The
Fund is open to all social enterprises with a proven business
model that require financial support to scale up their operations.
Applications will be judged against the following criteria
and must demonstrate:
- A clear social and/or environmental mission at the heart
of the business model
- A clear group of stakeholders that benefit from the existence
of the social enterprise (could be employees, suppliers or
the end user of the goods or services)
- A track record of revenue generation (at least annual sales
of £400,000)
- A scaleable business model with the ambition to grow significantly
- An outstanding and entrepreneurial management team
- A willingness to share ownership and governance with social
investors
- Potential exit routes identifiable at the time of the investment
How
much money is available?
The Fund will invest significant minority stakes in between
seven to 10 social enterprises with a proven business model
and the desire to grow. Investment size will generally range
from £250k to £750k. The Fund will normally purchase
shares in a company limited by shares but might consider other
mechanisms through which to invest in those organisations
that cannot issue equity.
Who
can apply?
The Fund is open to all social enterprises with a proven business
model that require financial support to scale up their operations
(Turnover of over £400k).
When
to apply
Anytime but it is estimated that all the funding available
this year will be allocated by September 2009.
How
to apply
The application
process is largely:
Stage 1 - Submission of business plan
Stage 2 - In-depth review, follow-up conversations and meetings
Stage 3 - Full due diligence process
Stage 4 - Finalisation of investment and completion
The process will take between three and four months
If your
organisation meets the criteria laid out above and is looking
for an equity investor, then please send your business plan
to whitni.thomas@triodos.co.uk.
For more
information see the
website.
Key
words: venture capital, social enterprise,investment.
|
