Big Issue Invest: Social Impact Loans
Funding
£20,000 – £4,000,000
Deadline
Check with the funder
Location
England
Applications
Rolling applications
Overview
Big Issue Invest offers social impact loans from £20,000 to £4 million for charities and social enterprises tackling poverty and inequality. You do not need to be a charity, but you do need a clear social purpose, two years of trading, at least two directors, and enough income from selling goods or services to repay. Loans under £200,000 are for organisations in England. The process starts with a conversation, so it is a good way to test whether a loan is affordable for you. Official source: https://www.bigissue.com/invest/apply-for-funding/loans/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 17 October 2026.
Requirements to check
Who can apply:
Key requirements:
- Repayable loan, £20,000 to £4 million.
- At least two years of trading and two directors.
- Must repay from traded income.
- Under £200,000: England only.
Charities and social enterprises with a clear social purpose, at least two years of trading, at least two directors and income from trading to repay the loan. Under £200,000: England only. Over £200,000: UK.
This summary may not include every exclusion. Check the full eligibility rules, including who and what the funder will not support.
Established trading charities and social enterprises that can repay finance from earned income.
Regions
Full details from Big Issue Invest
Big Issue Invest lends £20,000 to £4 million to charities and social enterprises tackling poverty and inequality. Loans are tailored to each organisation rather than following a fixed product. You need a clear social purpose (charitable status is not required), at least two years of trading, at least two directors, and the ability to repay from traded income rather than ongoing grants. Loans under £200,000 are for organisations incorporated and working in England; larger loans are UK-wide.
Start with the enquiry route on the Big Issue Invest loans page. The team will talk through your plans and what is affordable before any formal application.
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Create free accountLast updated: 17 October 2026