This session will bring together experts from Democratic Finance Scotland, Firstport, Foundation Scotland, Social Investment Scotland (SIS) and The Venture Labs to give delegates a practical look at the current funding and investment landscape.
The goal is to demystify social investment and help social enterprises make informed choices about the right capital at the right time. Social enterprises are operating in a tighter and more complex funding landscape. Grants are harder to secure and far more competitive. They still matter, but relying on them alone can leave organisations exposed. At the same time, repayable finance is becoming more common, whether that’s loans, revenue-linked finance or quasi-equity. Blended models are also growing, combining grants and loans to make investment more workable. This session will help social enterprises understand what these options mean in practice, when they’re appropriate, and how to use them with confidence.
Facilitated by: Chris Martin.
Chris Holloway , Head of Social Investment at Foundation Scotland (he/him)
Chris has worked in the third sector for over 20 years. During that time he has led on social investment for Resilient Scotland and Foundation Scotland. Chris believes that social investment can be the key that opens the door to an organisation’s potential and can enable them to maximise their impact.
Chris Jamieson , Head of Strategic Partnerships at Social Investment Scotland (he/him)
Chris Jamieson is Head of Investment Partnerships at Social Investment Scotland (SIS), a role he was appointed to as the organisation expanded its reach and diversified its investor base. Since joining SIS in 2016, Chris has played a pivotal role in the organisation’s growth, initially as Lead Fund Manager for the Social Growth Fund.
Angie Lee , Director of Venture Support at Challengers Group (she/her)
Angie Lee is Director of Venture Services at The Ventures Lab, part of The Challenges Group. She supports impact-led ventures to strengthen business models, evidence impact and become investment-ready. Angie has led practical innovation work around impact classification, investment readiness and mission-led growth, helping ventures access the right finance while staying true to purpose.
Morvern Lyon , Head of Democratic Finance at DTA Scotland – Democratic Finance Programme (she/her)
Morven Lyon has over 12 years’ experience working in programme management and delivery in the Third Sector, with a specific focus on community business and community-led finance models. She is one of Scotland’s leading experts in the community shares finance model and the Community Benefit Society governance structure.
Emily Macdonald , Head of Investment Programmes at Firstport (she/her)
Emily leads the Investment Team at Firstport, overseeing repayable funding and investment readiness programmes. She brings finance and risk experience from a career in banking, and experience in community and charities from working with a library and development trust in Fife. Emily is passionate about finding the right investment for each project and supports entrepreneurs to build sustainable, impactful ventures.
Got a question?
Please email: nia.evans@socialenterprise.scot