Payday lenders may be shrinking, but there is no need to turn to illegal lenders. With 94% of people introduced to a loan shark by friends or family, a new campaign introduces safe, affordable lenders Continue reading
News
Finance For Enterprise celebrates 30 years of business support
CDFA member Finance For Enterprise (originally Donbac) has been supporting the start-up and growth of SMEs since 1985, as one of the first enterprise agencies and business loan funds in the region. To celebrate its 30th… Continue reading
Supporting Eden businesses
CDFA member Enterprise Answers has teamed up with Eden District Council to support small businesses in the area in need of loan finance. This great partnership is reaching the small business owners that are vital for… Continue reading
Scotcash wins Giordano Dell’Amore Microfinance Good Practices Europe Award 2015
22.06.2015 Congratulations to CDFA member Scotcash, which has been announced as the winner of the Giordano Dell’Amore Microfinance Good Practices Europe Award 2015. Designed to recognise institutions that are committed to fostering financial inclusion and access… Continue reading
My Community
19.06.2015 What would make your community a better place: a vibrant high street, more jobs, improved services, green spaces and a thriving local pub? The government introduced the Community Rights (Localism Act 2011) including neighbourhood planning… Continue reading
Improving the financial health of the nation: ideas for the next Parliament
The United Kingdom leads the world in financial services and yet more than two million adult Britons don’t have a bank account. In the autumn of 2014, the Financial Inclusion Commission came together to find out why, and to put the issue on the political agenda ahead of the General Election. Chris Pond explains what the Commission is calling for from the next government. Continue reading
What’s the value of community finance?
The CDFA is just about to launch a new tool, providing a dynamic framework for CDFIs to comprehensively, consistently and clearly report on their social impact. By mapping the value of community finance to all its stakeholders, we can build a stron g compelling case for future investment and support – vital for the sector’s future success. Continue reading
New government = new horizons?
Ben Hughes reflects on the forthcoming election and its implications for our industry. With the three main national parties having an evident commitment to at least some aspects of the work of CDFIs, can we look forward to a time of new hope and opportunity? Continue reading
Just Money – Civil Society Action for Community Finance
David Barclay explains how the Just Money campaign has been working with experts (including the CDFA) to develop a proposal for a Community Finance Foundation, endowed through £200 million of fines on banks and payday lenders over the next parliament. Continue reading
Celebrating 25 years of helping East Mids entrepreneurs
Neil Millington explains how First Enterprise has transformed its lending and business support over a quarter of a century, and why they’re so proud of one of their clients crowned winner at this year’s Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards Continue reading