Make CIC is a purpose-driven social enterprise based in Liverpool that creates vibrant spaces and community hubs where artists, makers, and small business owners can work, collaborate, and grow. Founded in 2012 by Kirsten Little and Liam Kelly, Make CIC was built on the belief that creativity, collaboration, and access to equipment can help people turn their passions into sustainable livelihoods. With three locations across Liverpool (North Docks, Huyton, and Birkenhead), Make CIC offers studio space, creative workshops, wellbeing programmes, and public art commissions, all designed to bring people together and support local talent.
Social lending like Livv and Flourish, is a critical part of making impact work happen in communities. Traditional finance options are often not available to organisations like ours, despite the significant societal impact they generate. We have seen first-hand the profound impact targeted social investment like this can have on empowering organisations like ours to build better, resilient local economies.
Challenge
Make CIC’s mission is to unite and enrich communities through creativity, but expanding and sustaining their spaces has been challenging. Rising costs and the need to relocate from leased premises in Birkenhead put their future at risk. At the same time, they were developing a new hub in Huyton, which added pressure to their finances and operations.
Traditional finance options weren’t available, banks often require strong financial histories and physical assets as security, which Make CIC, as a community-focused organisation, didn’t have. To continue supporting local makers and artists, they needed flexible funding that understood their social impact and could help them grow sustainably.
Solution
In June 2024, Make CIC received a blended social investment package from the Flourish Fund. This included a £150,000 loan and a £25,000 grant. The funding helped Make CIC continue developing its hubs, refurbish premises, and support the creative community.
Livv Investment provide the funds needed as well as tailored support before and after the investment. This included help with financial planning, social impact reporting, and ongoing guidance to keep Make CIC aligned with its goals. The investment also gave them the stability and resources needed to expand their spaces and continue delivering community impact.
Revenue
Make CIC generates income in several ways. It rents out studio and workspace units to local makers, artists, and small businesses. As a Community Interest Company, Make CIC reinvests its profits back into its spaces and programmes to benefit the wider community.
Impact
The investment has had a significant impact on both Make CIC and the communities it serves. It helped sustain services for 155 people annually who rely on flexible workspaces to grow their businesses.
It created 5 new creative spaces for 12 entrepreneurs, supported 185 individuals through training and workshops, and sustained 121 jobs.
The funding also enabled digital access for 92 people and supported community events attended by over 500 participants. Importantly, it reduced social isolation for 120 people each year by providing a welcoming space where they feel connected and supported. Make CIC continues to be a beacon of creativity, inclusion, and opportunity in Liverpool.
We’re proud of the meaningful difference this deal has realised. Make’s hubs are places that nurture life-changing social impact, spaces where opportunity meets ambition and true collaboration. Spaces for ideas to incubate, business start-ups to literally start up, to grow and flourish into established enterprises that support livelihoods.