Social enterprises and charities within the West Midlands have been doing amazing work supporting communities across the region. Read on to find out more about the impact they’re creating.
The West Midlands, known as ‘The Heart of England’ due to its geographical location and its rich history in the arts. The region has also played a tremendous role as the epicentre of technological advancements in the Industrial Revolution.
In this blog, we’re highlighting the impact that social enterprises have created through social investment, to raise awareness of repayable finance and how it can be a way for similar organisations in the region to diversify their income.
Case Studies on social investment
Recent insights from SEUK’s ‘State of Social Enterprise in the West Midlands’ (2023) show that a large proportion of social enterprises in the West Midlands face financial barriers to growth and also report difficulty in obtaining finance compared to the national average.
To tackle this barrier, we believe that social enterprises and charities need to be informed about social investment to empower them to determine whether it’s right for their organisation.
Good Finance has over 120+ case studies about the repayable finance journey, and we’re spotlighting 3 recent examples of social investment in the West Midlands for you to learn more about social investment in action.
1. Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC)
BVSC is of the UK’s largest Voluntary Service Councils that provide essential support the third sector in Birmingham which in turn ensures that people from across the city feel included and have access to appropriate support from people that understand the issues they face.
They received Blended Finance (part loan/part grant) from Key Fund to fund the refurbishment of their building, Latham House, which has helped support their long term financial resilience enabling them to continue carry out their important services.
“Key Fund have been exceptionally supportive throughout the process of application and we are happy to recommend them to other charities and social businesses that need to access to social finance.” – Ian Henshaw, Head of Funding and Sector Development, BVSC.
Read the full case study, here, to find out the full details of the investment.
Rose Tinted Financial Services C.I.C
Founded by Ebony Rebecca, Rose Tinted Financial Services offers personal financial support and mental wellbeing services for all who are in debt, living pay-to-pay and are struggling to take control of their financial situation which is impacting their negatively on their mental health.
They received social investment to expand their services, impact and sustain both existing and new services.
“The social investment was a huge deal for us at the time, although a relatively small amount, it was the glue to strategic growth plans, cash flow and core financial support services.” - Ebony Rebecca, Founder and CEO, Rose Tinted Financial Services C.I.C
Read the full case study, here, to find out the full details of the investment.
3. Kidsgrove Sports Centre Community Group
Kidsgrove Sports Centre Community Group is a CIO, non-profit, established to save the Kidsgrove Sports Centre, now operating as a charity, following extensive refurbishment after re-opening.
Following a community campaign to save the sports centre, social investment assisted the process to re-open the leisure centre as it was used to open the fitness gym, a crucial part of their revenue source.
“The investment from Sporting Capital was a key part of the funding package to re-open the facility, without it we wouldn’t have been able to open the fitness gym which is a key revenue source for the charity.” - Dave Rigby, Trustee at Kidsgrove Sports Centre
Read the full case study, here, to find out the full details of the investment.
Feeling inspired and looking to learn more about social investment?
Join our next cohort of Social Investment Unpicked, a CPD-accredited e-learning programme designed to for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of social investment, starting on 24 September.
Find out more - here