Community interest company (CIC) limited by guarantee

Granton Project CIC

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 A large indoor food hall with wooden picnic-style benches filled with people eating and socializing. A projection on the wall reads "THE PITT" in bold letters. The space has industrial ceilings and is lit with blue and purple uplighting. A stroller is parked near one of the tables, and a large Scottish flag hangs on the back wall.

Established in 2015, The Pitt was one of the first year-round street food markets in Scotland, but when the original site was closed for redevelopment in 2022, they took the opportunity to rebuild in a new location as a social enterprise.

Duration
Within 10 years (aim)
Cost of capital
Revenue-based
Turnover
Pre-revenue
Investor Details
Firstport
Amount invested
£350,000
Year of Investment
2024
Product type
Quasi-equity

Foresight North East Lincolnshire

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Foresight building

Foresight is committed to meeting the needs and requirements of disabled individuals, their families, and carers in North and North East Lincolnshire. Their mission is to provide the way forward for the disabled community, empowering individuals to a new beginning, a brighter future, and a full and enjoyable life.

Duration
20 years
Cost of capital
2.25% above Base Rate
Turnover
£1.15m
Amount invested
£150,000
Year of Investment
2025
Product type
Blended – part grant, part loan

The Community Impact Initiative (Cii)

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5 men wearing Hi-vis vests outside a building smiling.

The Community Impact Initiative were established in 2016 as a not-for-profit social enterprise, delivering projects across South Wales. Their work supports people to improve their health and wellbeing, build their confidence, learn new skills, and make positive life improvements by engaging in meaningful community engagement projects, such as the regeneration of empty spaces.

Sefydlwyd y Community Impact Initiative yn 2016 fel menter gymdeithasol nid-er-elw a oedd yn cyflwyno prosiectau ledled De Cymru. Mae eu gwaith yn cefnogi pobl i wella eu hiechyd a’u lles, magu eu hyder, dysgu sgiliau newydd, a gwneud gwelliannau positif i’w bywydau drwy ymgysylltu â phrosiectau ystyrlon sy’n ymhél â’r gymuned, fel adfywio mannau gwag.

Duration
25 years
Cost of capital
6%
Turnover
£700k
Investor Details
Social Investment Cymru
Amount invested
£185k + £200k
Year of Investment
2023
Product type
Unsecured loan (incl. overdrafts)

Ark Resettlement Services

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A group of people smiling outside

Ark Resettlement Services (ARKRS) is an award-winning charity specialising in supporting ex-offenders to reintegrate into the community, through the provision of housing and support.  

Duration
72 month
Cost of capital
7.9%
Turnover
£1,468,860
Investor Details
Social Investment Business
Amount invested
£350,000
Year of Investment
2024
Product type
Blended – part grant, part loan

Home Kitchen

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 The image shows a cosy fine-dining restaurant

Home Kitchen is a not-for-profit restaurant and social impact programme. Developed with top chef Adam Simmonds, they’re serving the finest quality food while transforming the perception of homelessness and making a positive impact on the UK hospitality sector. Their mission is to help socially vulnerable people get out of poverty and into work. 

Duration
3 years
Cost of capital
10%
Turnover
£0 (Pre Trading)
Investor Details
Big Issue Invest
Amount invested
£210,000
Year of Investment
2024
Product type
Unsecured loan (incl. overdrafts)

MiMe Heuristics CIC (The Wildings)

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Mime Heuristics CIC (The Wildings)

MiMe Heuristics CIC trading as The Wildings established a new, specialist independent school in Devon for children with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs. 

Duration
6 Years
Cost of capital
7.5%
Turnover
£0 (pre-trading)
Investor Details
Resonance
Amount invested
£150,000
Year of Investment
2019
Product type
Blended – part grant, part loan

We Are Juno

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Front room in a Juno children's home

We are Juno is a not-for-profit children’s residential service, creating a sustainable alternative to profit-driven models that dominate the children’s residential landscape. 

Duration
7 years
Cost of capital
7%
Turnover
£596,750
Investor Details
Postcode Innovation Trust
Amount invested
£250,000 (£125,000 grant, £125,000 loan)
Year of Investment
2023
Product type
Blended – part grant, part loan

The Energy Training Academy

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Image of 2 storey white building with black sign and white lettering reading The Energy Training Academy

The Energy Training Academy (ETA) is a community interest company that specialises in providing high-quality training and education in the gas and renewables industry. ETA works with young people, veterans, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds to ensure they gain valuable skills for the green energy transition.

Duration
c.10 years
Cost of capital
1.27x to 1.5x amount invested
Turnover
n/a - Start-up
Investor Details
Firstport
Amount invested
£300,000
Product type
Quasi-equity

Omnis Circumvado CiC

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Louis encourages a young client – building core strength.(Taken as a still from video on their website)

Omnis Circumvado CIC is a specialist sports coaching company dedicated to providing inclusive and adapted physical activity opportunities to people of all ages with complex needs.

Duration
5 years
Cost of capital
Repaid £25,075
Turnover
110.000
Amount invested
£20,530
Product type
Blended – part grant, part loan

Prom Ally CIC

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Prom Ally CIC

Prom Ally offers the free loan of prom dresses and suits to school children, sixth form students and college students who otherwise couldn't afford one. All outfits are used and either purchased from charity shops or donated directly. Prom Ally has helped hundreds of girls since it began and has recently opened up to boys too offering suits in addition to the dresses.

Duration
10 years
Cost of capital
3%
Turnover
£2,361
Investor Details
Social Investment Cymru
Amount invested
£50,000
Product type
Blended – part grant, part loan