Description

This session will provide practical insights into financing social ventures, focusing on the different funding pathways available, from grants and social investment to alternative financing models. Participants will learn how to craft a compelling investment case and articulate their social impact to attract funders. With guest speaker Tom Bostock from The Key Fund, the event will include a discussion on the current trends and opportunities in social finance, practical tips for engaging with social investors, and real-world examples of successful ventures.

What You’ll Gain:

• An overview of key funding options for social ventures
• Strategies for building relationships with investors and funders
• Practical advice on preparing your social venture for investment

About our speakers: 

Tom Bostock joined Key Fund as an Investment Manager, focusing on the Midlands region. With a background in retail banking and experience in charities and third-sector enterprises, He brings a wealth of expertise to the role. Drawing on a strong foundation in financial well-being, client relationship management, and a deep understanding of social challenges,  He is committed to empowering enterprises to expand their reach and impact. Through collaboration and a shared drive to make a meaningful difference and aims to support organisations in achieving their goals and reaching more beneficiaries.

Keith Jeffrey is an award-winning social entrepreneur with extensive experience in establishing and managing cultural and social ventures across the UK. He has led successful initiatives such as the founding of QUAD and Coventry University Social Enterprise, and has a proven track record of driving impact-driven enterprise and innovation.

Paul Squires has a strong background in community and enterprise development, with expertise in business support, growth, and social innovation. He has worked with start-ups, social ventures, and charities across the UK, bringing strategic insight and coaching to empower social entrepreneurs at every stage.

About Organisations: 

Key Fund invest in the community and social enterprises that have traditionally been excluded; turned down by mainstream banks and building societies.

Create Growth Programme, delivered through the East Midlands Creative Consortium (EMC²) and funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, aims to support regional creative businesses to start, grow and scale. Supported by EMC² LUinc., Loughborough University's Incubator, is supporting social and creative ventures through an initiative operating from our dual-space located in Loughborough town centre at the Careers & Enterprise Hub. The programme includes tailored coaching sessions and a series of monthly events running through to the end of March 2025, designed to empower and accelerate the growth of ventures creating and impact and making a difference. www.eastmidlandscreategrowth.co.uk