Social businesses encouraged to apply for funding

Social impact business, the First Ark Group, is urging social businesses to apply for funding available through the newly-launched Corporate Social Venturing (CSV) 2015 programme.

The CSV programme is tailored for early stage social businesses that often face challenges with securing finance. Those operating in the arts and culture, education, employment and training, health and social care and community transport sectors can apply. In addition the scheme welcomes applications from businesses which aim to tackle homelessness, and those which support environment and financial inclusion.

Bob Taylor, CEO of the First Ark Group, said: “Our partnership with Big Issue Invest is an important part of our social investment strategy. There will never be enough investment out there, so we must make the funding available go as far as possible. The CSV project will see us invest not only money, but time from our pool of experts based here at First Ark, who will work with the successful businesses to ensure they develop and grow.