It has been announced that the current round of the Booster Fund will be coming to an end in early 2025.
The Fund supports new and existing community businesses that are at all stages of launching a community share issue. This includes the very early stages of exploring whether it is the right choice, through planning a community share issue to being ready to launch, or in exceptional cases, recently launched.
The Fund offers the following support:
- Pre-grant support.
- Development grants.
- Equity match investment.
- Subscription underwriting.
- Loan finance.
Priority will be given to:
- Disadvantaged, less affluent and under-represented communities, particularly minoritised ethnicities, young people and communities facing systemic inequality.
- Projects that meet critical needs of their communities. There is particular interest in project that address climate change issues and digital inclusion.
There is a two-stage application process. Expressions of Interest can be made at any time. Those who are successful will be invited to submit a full application.
The deadlines for applications are 27 November for equity applications and 29 January 2025 for development grant applications.
