A renewable energy firm, a luxury chocolate shop and an innovative management system for graveyards are among the businesses announced as finalists for this year’s UK Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards. The national awards scheme celebrates innovative and growing businesses that have taken off with the help of alternative finance from community lenders (known as CDFIs). Continue reading
Tag: CDFIs
Big news for Scotland’s social entrepreneurs
David Cousland explains why DSL Business Finance and Big Issue Invest are teaming up to bring finance to Scotland’s social enterprises Continue reading
CDFA maps out how affordable credit can be available to all
Affordable credit should be accessible to everyone in every community across the UK, and the CDFA has set out how this vision should be realised. In its Just Finance report, published today, the CDFA maps the six steps that are needed to ensure we all have this basic right – of access to fair finance. 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
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
Change the message…
Ben Hughes examines how we can cut through the froth of the party conferences by spelling out how CDFIs are making a difference, and their £1.125bn contribution to GDP. Continue reading
The need for finance sector reform
Jennifer Tankard, Director of Community Development Foundation, explains why the Community Investment Coalition is working together for fair and affordable financial services for all.
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Lending, lending, lending…
It’s been a busy time for our business-focused CDFIs. They’ve been posting record lending figures, helping more small firms than ever.