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Investing to end poverty and inequality

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Social impact investing with Big Issue Invest

We invest in social enterprises and charities, creating core solutions to end poverty and inequality in the UK. Founded by impact entrepreneurs John Bird and Nigel Kershaw from the Big Issue Group, we are one of the leaders in social impact investing.

Since 2005, we have invested over £100 million in hundreds of social impact organisations – all sharing the Big Issue Group’s mission – to dismantle poverty and inequality through social business solutions.

In 2025, through the organisations we invested in, we helped improve the lives of 1.9 million people across the UK. From affordable housing to employment support and healthcare, our funding is focused on communities facing the highest levels of deprivation.

Funding and support options available through Big Issue Invest

Social Impact Loans

We provide loans from £25,000 to £4 million, backing organisations at every stage of their growth. We shape each investment around your plans, your finances, and what will actually help you move forward.

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Equity & Revenue Participation

As organisations expand, a traditional loan isn’t always the right fit. You might need more flexible capital or terms that work differently from a standard repayment model. That’s where equity and revenue participation – often called quasi-equity – can help.

Blended Finance & Grant Support

We can also offer blended finance – combining a loan with grant support – where this helps organisations grow sustainably.

Funding is designed to strengthen long-term impact and financial resilience.

For investors seeking social impact

Work with Big Issue Invest to fund solutions that end poverty and inequality. Our social investment and impact expertise backs organisations creating real change in communities across the UK.

Trusted by leading social impact investors and partners

Our commitment to social impact investing has earned the trust of distinguished investors and partners. Together, we’ve delivered social impact across multiple sectors. Explore our network.

Recognised for Excellence and Impact

We take pride in our awards and accreditations, a testament to our commitment to effecting meaningful social impact investing.

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Latest News

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Big Issue Invest appoints ex-CEO of Standard Bank as new Chair
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Together, we can create core solutions to end poverty and inequality in the UK