It is well known that start-up social businesses are often under-capitalised. But there is also a shortage of smaller scale finance options accessible to early stage or growing socially trading organisations at both a local and national level. This gap has led to innovative and collaborative models to be developed in other regions, such as the Kindred Fund in Liverpool, that provide repayable finance such as loans or share investment.

Could a local fund for social businesses be established in Oxfordshire? This event will explore the demand for social finance locally and introduce the concept of a local fund.

We will welcome the Kindred Fund to share their successes and how they were able to unlock their model through support from institutional stakeholders.

This event is part of a feasibility study and consultation on the local fund model, commissioned by Oxford City Council and being delivered by Co-operative Futures, CAG Oxfordshire, OSEP & Aspire

The event will include:

• Andrew Beattie (Engagement and Impact Lead at the Kindred Fund) – presenting Kindred as an innovative example of how cross sector collaboration has enabled £2 million of loan finance to 44 socially trading organisations.
• Alice Hemming (Co-operative Futures) – will introduce the feasibility study and share more about how a local fund for Oxfordshire could work, as well as the evidence of need.
• An opportunity for attendees to have a discussion and input into the consultation

This event is free and open to members of the Oxfordshire Inclusive Economy Partnership, socially trading businesses and anyone else interested in supporting this consultation.

Refreshments will be provided by Damascus Rose Café so arrive at 17:45 for a 18:00 start.