Big Issue Invest Impact Stories
We support impact-motivated businesses of every stage and size, and design our products and funds to continually improve on our ability to support organisations at every step of their journey.
Featured Stories
Since 2005, we’ve provided over £80 million in funding to support more than 550 organisations. Today, our portfolio includes active investments in 145 organisations. Below are some of the inspiring Big Issue Invest impact stories from a selection of incredible organisations we’ve invested in.
To learn more about the financing options available to your organisation, please get in touch here.
St Helena Hospice
Key information
- Fund: Social Enterprise Investment Fund II
- Region: South West England
- Investment Manager: James Potter
Overview
St. Helena Hospice provides a wide range of expert care and support for people with incurable illnesses, starting from the point of diagnosis, regardless of their condition. They also offer support to the families of patients. All services are free and available to local residents.
Challenge
St. Helena aimed to generate more income through its in-house lottery business to support not only its own services but also those of 13 other hospices and seven charities.
Investment
We provided a £1.5m loan facility to expand its lottery operations, resulting in an astounding £14.5 million in additional lottery income. This was achieved while maintaining an impressive patient occupancy rate of 77% and earning an outstanding customer satisfaction score of 4.91 out of 5.
Smile Together CIC
Key information
- Fund: Social Enterprise Investment Fund II
- Region: South West England
- Investment Manager: James Potter
Overview
Smile Together CIC is an employee-owned social enterprise and community interest company in Cornwall, providing dental care for individuals with obesity, health, or mobility challenges.
Challenge
The organisation needed to redevelop an old Cornwall grammar school and transform it into a dental centre specifically designed for patients with special needs.
Investment
With a £1 million investment from Big Issue Invest, Smile Together CIC was able to open the new centre, providing dental treatment to those who had previously been unable to access services.
The investment also enabled the provision of full disabled access, including parking directly outside, a ‘Changing Places’ accessible toilet facility, four well-equipped dental surgeries, and waiting areas designed to ensure the comfort of all patients and visitors.
Ultra Education
Key information
- Fund: Growth Impact Fund
- Region: South East England
- Investment Manager: Farai Nyadundu
Overview
Ultra Education uses entrepreneurship to inspire positive and lasting change in the lives of young people, particularly those from underrepresented communities, including those facing disadvantages due to low socio-economic backgrounds or being racialised.
Challenge
Ultra Education wanted to expand its reach to an additional 900 young people by 2025 and increase the number of young people receiving mentorship support from 14 to 37 by 2024.
Investment
We’ve invested £300,000 to support Ultra Education in achieving its expansion goals and creating lasting change for more young people from minority communities for whom the existing education system falls short.
Genius Within
Key information
- Fund: Growth Impact Fund
- Region: South East England
- Investment Manager: Ben Tiplady
Overview
Genius Within is a specialist employment and training provider that supports neurodivergent people in gaining employment and helps them perform at their best in the workplace.
Challenge
The organisation needed financial support to develop a cost-effective solution for identifying the most effective reasonable adjustments in the workplace.
Investment
We provided a £500,000 debt deal to support the development of Genius Finder™, a proprietary, strengths-based assessment platform designed to benefit neurodivergent individuals and the organisations they work for.
Handcrafted Projects
Key information
- Fund: Impact Loans England
- Region: North East England
- Investment Manager: Michael Burns
Overview
Handcrafted Projects is a remarkable organisation that has been transforming lives in the North East of England since 2011.
Operating through its three community hubs in Durham, Chester-Le-Street, and Gateshead, the organisation combines training, support, enterprise opportunities, and housing to empower some of the most isolated and disadvantaged individuals to rebuild their lives and thrive.
Challenge
To expand their impact and provide greater stability and opportunities to those who need them most.
With housing stock growing from 35 homes in 2021 to 67 in 2024, Handcrafted Projects has ambitious plans to reach 115+ homes by 2025.
Investment
We are thrilled to have provided a £251,000 investment to support the purchase and refurbishment of three new residential properties. These homes will offer essential housing for asylum-seeking children and trainees aged 16-18, creating a safe and supportive environment for their growth and development.
Community Clay Studio CIC
Key information
- Fund: Impact Loans England
- Region: North West England
- Investment Manager: Michael Burns
Overview
Community Clay Studio Manchester CIC is a thriving ceramics studio making a significant impact in its community.
Operating since 2017, it’s much more than a studio—it’s a hub for creativity, entrepreneurship, and social inclusion. Over 2,000 people have engaged with the studio through memberships, training, and workshops.
From empowering refugees to supporting adults with learning disabilities, CCSM uses ceramics to bring people together and improve wellbeing.
Challenge
Demand for their services had outgrown their current space. With plans to move to a new location three times the size, the studio aimed to expand its membership from 32 to 100 by 2025, increase class capacity, and further its impact.
Investment
We invested £80,000 investment Community Clay Studio to refurbish the new site, meeting growing demand, so they can continue transforming lives.
