Impact Investment Readiness Grants applications open

Applications for the 2019 Impact Investment Readiness Grants programme are now open. We’re looking for social enterprises that need additional support to unlock the investment they need to grow.

The Impact Investment Readiness Grants provide social enterprises with grants of up to $20,000 to help them get ready for investment. Impact investment refers to the emerging global movement around intentionally investing in organisations that create positive social or environmental outcomes – or impact, alongside financial returns.

This is the third year Ākina has run this grants scheme with the first two years delivering strong results for many of the businesses involved. This year, there is a total of $150,000 in grants available across the country thanks to The Tindall Foundation, WEL Energy Trust, and Kiwibank.

Grant money can be spent on business, financial, or legal support – any professional services with the goal of securing investment.

“If your social enterprise is working towards seeking investment in the next 12 months, but you’re in need of some professional support to get investment ready, then this programme is for you.” says Director of Ākina Invest, Jackson Rowland.

“A grant is up to twenty thousand dollars for whatever your enterprise might need, whether that’s legal or financial services – or something else – this programme can help you find what you need, so you’re ready to go out there and get that investment.”

The first two years of the Impact Investment Readiness Grants gave out $150,000 in grant funding and returned over $4m in investment, with some recipients still expected to receive more investment. Past grant recipients range from community focused businesses like BBM, through to highly scalable tech social enterprises like LearnCoach.

The grants scheme is also supported by the Government-funded Social Enterprise Sector Development Programme.

For more detailed information, and to submit an application, visit akina.org.nz/iirg.