Work is underway to set up and test a simple and practical community finance partnership to deliver wide-ranging finance and support services in Bristol. The pilot project is being led by the South West Investment Group (SWIG), a community development finance institution (CDFI) that will partner with other services to present a viable and integrated alternative solution to fragmented mainstream finance and support services. Continue reading
News
Better financial services = Just Finance
Ben Hughes discusses why we need better financial services, the CDFA’s vision for Just Finance for all and how we plan to achieve it. Continue reading
The Big Potential of Social Investment
Azlina Bulmer of Charity Bank explains why social sector organisations need support to understand and prepare for social investment, and how the Big Potential programme will do this. Continue reading
Getting to scale: lessons from the US
Bob Annibale, Citi Global Director of Community Development and Inclusive Finance, considers how the innovative UK CDFI sector could learn four key lessons from the US experience in order to achieve greater scale and impact. Continue reading
Creating more jobs than ever before
The impact of CDFIs has grown massively in recent years. The jobs created and saved thanks to CDFIs have more than doubled in just one year. Continue reading
Budget 2014
19.03.2014 George Osborne, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, delivered the Government’s 2014 budget, which included some welcomed news concerning support for social enterprises and small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The Chancellor’s speech highlighted the stronger-than… Continue reading
Top microenterprises rewarded with £65,000 in national award scheme
Organisations and individuals recognised for impact they have had in communities across the UK Champions of locally-based finance for microenterprises rewarded at 12th February Awards Ceremony in Bristol, featuring BBC Breakfast’s Steph McGovern [Image: Steph McGovern… Continue reading
Bank disclosure of lending data provides “ideal opportunity” for mainstream banks to partner with CDFIs
The CDFA welcomes tomorrow’s disclosure of lending data at postcode level by the high street banks – and offers banks the opportunity of working with their members to reach hard to reach markets. Continue reading
Autumn Statement 2013
CDFIs can play a key role in delivering the growth, investment and employment that the Chancellor wants Continue reading
Governnment to introduce interest rate cap
The government has announced that the cost of payday loans will be capped under a new law. In a surprise move, Chancellor George Osborne said there would be controls on charges, including arrangement and penalty fees, as well as on interest rates. Continue reading