SE-ASSIST FUND

The SE-Assist Wales Fund offers blended finance packages (part 0% loan / part grant) which can be used to help you grow, become more sustainable or increase your business capacity. It also offers expert mentoring to focus your direction and growth plans.

SE-Assist is for social enterprises, as well as entrepreneurial charities, meeting a local social or environmental need.

SE-Assist Wales is managed by CAF Venturesome, Legal & General and the Cwmpas, with support from Welsh Government, Business in the Community and the Institute of Directors.

The SE-Assist Wales Fund is now closed for 2022.

Expert advice

Our mentors are on hand to share their experience and support to guide you and keep you motivated.

 
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WHAT WE OFFER

Successful applicants will receive a package of support including:

  • A blended finance package of an interest free loan up to £20,000 (with the potential to borrow more at 6.5%) with a grant of up to £10,000 alongside it.
  • Support to improve financial management
  • Optional access to expert business mentoring support
  • Optional access to a range of expert support for organisational development
  • Networking with other ambitious local social enterprises

Even the process of application itself can be beneficial, helping you evaluate your current position with feedback from funders. Past investees are very positive about the process and support they receive throughout, finding it helpful for developing a robust business plan, which is crucial to the longevity and resilience of their enterprises.

“We are very grateful to SE-Assist Wales Fund for providing loan finance during a very challenging period. We have used the funds productively to improve our commercial sustainability and maintain and enhance our community impact. The application process was rigorous but SE- Assist provided us with excellent guidance at each stage of the process.”


Tom Whyatt MBE - Chair, Llanhilleth Miners Institute

CAN WE HELP YOU?

  • You must be based in Wales
  • Have, or be working towards, a sustainable business model evidenced by trading and/or funds raised
  • Have a social impact that addresses a local social or environmental need
  • Have a turnover less than £500,000 per annum
  • SE-Assist uses charitable funds to invest in social enterprises. All social enterprises with legal structures other than registered charities can still apply but will be subject to CAF Venturesome’s charitable validation process.
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HOW TO APPLY

The SE-Assist Wales Fund is  now closed for 2022.

Please email us to register your interest on venturesome@cafonline.org and we will introduce you to a Business Advisor at Cwmpas who will help with the first stage of your application.

SE-ASSIST IN ACTION

ELITE CASE STUDY

Elite Paper Solutions

  • Wales
  • ●
  • £30,000 interest free unsecured loan

Social investment providing jobs for the long-term unemployed

Read how Elite have created 34 permanent jobs

EMPOWER CASE STUDY

Empower - Be the Change

  • Wales
  • ●
  • £30,000 interest free unsecured loan

Training in social skills builds confidence and leads to employment

Read more about Empower - Be the Change

Contact the Venturesome team

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