Key Fund — Flexible Grants and Loans for North West Social Enterprises and Community Groups
If you run a social enterprise, community business, or charity in the North West and have been turned down by mainstream banks, the Key Fund could be exactly what you need. It’s one of the most accessible and flexible sources of finance available to purpose-driven organisations in our region — and it’s been doing it for decades.
What is the Key Fund?
The Key Fund provides flexible loans and grants to help enterprises start up, become sustainable, and grow — creating jobs, reinvigorating communities and offering social investment. Having supported over 3,000 organisations and helped create or safeguard 5,000 jobs, it continues to drive impact across disadvantaged communities in the North and Midlands through inclusive, community-driven finance. Cotswoldsconcierge
Crucially, as a social enterprise itself, the Key Fund understands the challenges community organisations face — and takes a genuinely flexible, relationship-based approach to funding decisions.
How much can you get?
The Key Fund can provide investment of between £5,000 and £300,000 to support start-up costs, working capital to pay for staff or overheads, growth and development, contributing to the purchase and renovation of buildings, building assets, buying property, and energy efficiencies such as solar panels. West Norfolk Borough Council
The main funding streams available:
Northern Impact Fund For new and early stage social enterprises seeking finance to support growth. The Northern Impact Fund offers 20% of the value of the loan as grant, with typical investments around £50,000. Unsecured lending suited to organisations building their foundations. Untitled
Energy Resilience Fund Perfect for community buildings, village halls, and community centres across the North West. Investment amounts from £10,000 to £150,000, with up to 40% of the total available as grant where justifiable to support cost stabilisation or reduction. Energy Audit Grants are also available between £500 and £2,500. Businessgrowthhub
Community Business Fund This fund supports community businesses operating in the North and Midlands looking to grow or develop trading activity. Businessgrowthhub
Community Pub Fund This fund aims to support the development of community-owned pubs across England that are incorporated as not-for-profit businesses with clear geography of benefit and able to demonstrate local engagement in ownership or governance. Ideal for any North West community looking to save their local. Businessgrowthhub
Who can apply?
Key Fund takes a relationship-based, purpose-led underwriting approach — assessing the business, the social impact, needs and priorities, and past and future finances. It provides flexible finance including blended loan and grant packages tailored to what the organisation needs most. Facebook
To be eligible your organisation needs to:
- Be based in the North of England or Midlands
- Be, or plan to form, a legal company
- Have a direct social mission at its heart
- Have been declined by a mainstream bank or lender
How to apply
The Key Fund works directly with organisations rather than through intermediaries — so the first step is simply getting in touch with their team to discuss your needs and check eligibility.
👉 Find out more and apply at: thekeyfund.co.uk
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Related funding worth exploring:
- Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II — loans from £25,000 to £2 million
- Innovate UK Business Growth — innovation grants for North West SMEs
- National Lottery Community Fund — grants for community projects across the North West