Understanding repayable finance like bank loans or social investment

Used wisely, repayable finance (sometimes known as debt finance) can allow community businesses to ‘go further, faster’, but it can also lead organisations into difficulties if they cannot meet the interest or repayment terms agreed on the debt.

Before taking on any debt you will need to produce a comprehensive business plan underpinned by realistic budget and cashflow projections.

You will also need to ensure that your organisation is in the right shape, with good financial controls and systems and strong leadership and governance.

Some lenders may require security for their loan or make conditions in their loan that can constraint an organisation’s freedom to, for example, borrow money from another lender without their permission.

Getting ready to take on repayable finance is known as investment readiness.

If you are thinking about taking on a loan, your first port of call will be your bank, if you have one. They already know you and if you have a track record of good financial management they may be willing to consider a loan.

Most of the major commercial banks have specialist teams dedicated to the community and voluntary sector.

Santander: Our treasurer’s accounts have been designed specifically for not-for-profit organisations such as clubs, societies and charities with an annual turnover of up to £250,000 and up to three signatories.

Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS): Social and community capital.

HSBC: Small business loans.

Barclays: Not for profit/charities.

Loans for private businesses usually come from mainstream banks, however there are now specialist banks and institutions that lend specifically to organisations delivering a social purpose.

They may be more likely to take a risk on a community business or charity as they are interested in social return (doing good) as well as financial return on their investment.

Charity Bank is an ethical bank that exists to lend to charities and social enterprises.

Unity Trust Bank are the bank for organisations and businesses that aim to create community, social or environmental benefit in a financially sustainable way. They seek to put social change at the heart of everything they do by offering specialist banking and finance to organisations that have a positive impact on their communities.

Triodos Bank is a world leader in sustainable banking, offering a range of accounts for individuals, businesses and charities.

Cooperative and Community Finance lend to organisations that are owned and democratically controlled by their members, who are usually either employees, customers or members of a community. Loans from £10,000 to £75,000 are readily available, and we are able to lend up to £150,000 using other funds.

Social Investment Business exists to raise and connect capital to achieve the maximum possible social impact in the UK. We work to provide simple finance for extraordinary charities and social enterprises in the form of loans, grants and other investment products.

CAF Bank exists to support the charitable sector. They offer secured loans for UK registered charities and not-for-profit organisations looking to grow their social impact.

If you are looking for a simple, affordable loan and the bank can't help, try a responsible lender by using Finding Finance's searchable database.

Social investment is the term given to repayable finance which is invested primarily for doing good. Social investors and lenders invest in projects that are expected to have both a financial return and positive social benefit to the community.

Good Finance helps charities and social enterprises navigate social investment and can provide you with guidance and suggested investors.

Big Issue Invest is the social investment arm of the Big Issue. They extend the mission of the Big Issue by investing in social enterprises and charities that prevent and tackle poverty and create opportunity for people across the UK.

Clearly So raise investment for businesses, enterprises and charities focused on social impact. They help individuals and institutions use their capital to back change.

CAF Venturesome a registered charity that’s been connecting charities and social enterprises with philanthropic capital for 14 years.

Big Society Capital is an independent financial institution with a social mission, set up to help grow the social investment market.

Key Fund provides investment to social enterprises working across the North of England. Key Fund offers loan packages ranging from £5000 to £300,000 to social entrepreneurs, new and existing social enterprises and voluntary/community organisations aspiring to become social enterprises.

Foundation East are a membership organisation that lends money to business owners across the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and neighbouring areas, offering loans up to £100,000 to social enterprises and growing businesses. They provide help and support with completing the application forms and business plan templates.

London Rebuilding Society are passionate about creating new people-centred social and financial products and services; transforming lives by improving people’s homes, health, wealth and well being.