Why mission-driven businesses should consider a property-backed loan from Big Issue Invest

As investment director at Big Issue Invest, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible work being done by mission-driven businesses as a result of mission-driven business loans. These organisations are tackling critical social issues – from affordable housing and healthcare access to community infrastructure and homelessness. Yet, many face a common challenge: securing the funding they need to grow and scale their impact. 

That’s where Big Issue Invest’s Social Impact Debt Fund IV (Fund IV) comes in. Offering social impact property-backed loans ranging from £1m to £3.5m, the fund is designed to help businesses with a clear mission for social good access the capital they need to expand their reach and amplify their impact. 

Why consider a property-backed loan from Big Issue Invest?

Loans from this fund are not purely about financing – the fund is built specifically to loan to businesses that are dedicated to making a real difference. Here’s why you should consider it: 

1. Tailored property backed loans for mission-driven businesses

Traditional loans don’t work for everyone, especially mission-driven businesses that focus on impact as well as profit. Many social enterprises find it hard to access conventional funding options because their outcomes are social as well as financial. Fund IV is designed to address this gap, offering loans that focus on social impact, with loan amounts that are flexible and aligned with your mission. 

2. Flexibility to match your needs

Mission-driven businesses often face unique challenges in financial planning and cash flow management. Fund IV offers flexible loan terms, allowing businesses to structure repayment schedules based on their specific needs – whether that means lower interest payments or more time to repay. This flexibility allows businesses to focus on growth, not repayment.

3. Access more capital

With Fund IV, you can access more debt than you could from a traditional bank loan. We offer loans secured against property with loan-to-value ratios of 80-85%, so you can unlock the capital needed to grow your operations without being held back by traditional funding constraints. This means more investment in your social mission and less tied up in reserves. 

4. Support for asset-locked organisations 

For asset-locked organisations – those legally committed to reinvesting profits for social good – securing funding can be especially difficult. Fund IV is designed with these organisations in mind. We provide grant funding up to £15,000 to help asset-locked organisations develop robust business plans and financial projections, helping them position themselves for long-term success. 

5. More than just a mission-driven business loan – it’s a partnership 

At Big Issue Invest, we believe in partnerships. Every loan is more than just a transaction – t’s a collaborative effort to help your business achieve its goals. Beyond financing, we offer expert guidance, industry connections, and strategic advice to ensure your mission-driven business thrives. 

Real-world impact: Smile Together CIC

Take the case of Smile Together CIC, a service that provides dental care for people with special needs in Cornwall. Before receiving funding from Big Issue Invest, they faced significant barriers to scaling their impact.

Thanks to the £1m loan, they were able to upgrade facilities, hire additional staff, and extend services to more underserved individuals. The result? A profound social impact that transformed the lives of individuals who otherwise would have gone without essential dental treatment and in doing so forged a stronger community. 

Partner with us and let’s create lasting change together

If you’re a mission-driven business looking to scale and create lasting social change, consider Big Issue Invest Fund IV. With flexible loan terms, accessible funding, and a focus on social good. Fund IV is here to help you grow your impact. Please contact james.potter@bigissueinvest.com for more information.

Let’s work together to build a future where mission-driven businesses thrive, and financial capital supports positive social outcomes.