Let’s be honest, applying for funding isn’t exactly anyone’s idea of fun. Especially when it involves both a grant and a loan. Forms, business plans, budgets, repayment terms… it can feel like you need a degree just to get started.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to do it alone!
At Ubele, supported by the Social Investment Business, we offer direct support to help you make sense of the process and put your best foot forward. Whether this is your first funding application, or your fifth, we’re here to advocate for you, advise you, and walk with you every step of the way.
What’s This Funding About?
This opportunity is a blended well thought out finance offer; a mix of grant (money you don’t have to repay) and loan (repaid under fair, supportive terms).
It’s designed to help Black-led organisations, social enterprises, community groups, CICs, and other purpose-led organisations grow their impact with the backing they need, without the all-or-nothing pressure of traditional funding.
How do We Support You?
We know the process can be daunting. That’s why we’ve built in multiple layers of support, before, during, and after your application:
- Early Advice, No Pressure
You can speak to our dedicated advisor at Ubele before you even start your application. Whether you want to understand eligibility, the grant/loan mix, or what being “investment ready” means, we’re here to help you explore it.
- Open Surgery Webinars
We host ‘Open Surgery’ sessions – live webinars where you can ask questions, hear from others, and get straight-talking advice in real time. No question is too small or even too silly.
- One-to-One Support
Once you apply, you’ll be matched with a Relationship Manager from the Social Investment Business and our Ubele dedicated advisor, who will support you throughout the entire process. You’ll never be left wondering what happens next, we’ll guide you through it.
- Fund-Readiness Check
We want you to succeed, not waste time. So, before we take your application to the Investment Committee (who makes the final funding decision), we’ll give you an honest assessment of whether you’re ready.
If there are areas to strengthen, we’ll tell you and help you get there. No guesswork, no false hope, just real, practical guidance.
Who Is This For?
This is for people and organisations who are working to make a difference – and need financial backing to grow their impact. You might be running a social business, launching a new project, or scaling up a community enterprise.
If you’re ready to explore a mix of grant and loan support, and you’re open to being guided through a structured process – we’re ready to support you.
Let’s Take the Pressure Off
Applying for funding doesn’t need to feel like an exam. With our support, you’ll be well-equipped, well-informed, and well-supported – right from your first question to your final outcome.
Interested? Curious?
Come along to one of our Open Surgery webinars or get in touch for a one-to-one chat.
We’re ready when you are.
Sign up for our next Flexible Finance Open Surgery Webinar here.
Upcoming dates for webinars:
Thursday 14th August – 12PM – 2PM
Wednesday 10th September – 2PM – 4PM
Monday 13th October – 2PM – 4PM
Below are examples of the kind of blended finance that is currently available:
Energy Resilience Fund
The Energy Resilience Fund (ERF) provides a blended funding package comprising a 60% loan and 40% grant to enhance the energy resilience of eligible charities and social enterprises in England. This initiative supports projects aimed at improving energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and lowering energy costs.
The Fund is delivered through a partnership including Social Investment Business, Big Issue Invest, Charity Bank, Co-operative and Community Finance, Groundwork UK, Key Fund, Resonance Ltd, The Architectural Heritage Fund, and The Ubele Initiative.
Flexible Finance Fund
The Flexible Finance Fund is a partnership between Social Investment Business, The Ubele Initiative, and Create Equity. It offers £4m in funding and support to 15-25 Black and Racially Minoritised charities and social enterprises in England, helping them grow, acquire assets, and enhance resilience.
The fund combines a flexible grant with a loan from the Recovery Loan Fund. The grant can cover up to 100% of the loan amount (between 50% and 100%, capped at £200k), with direct support from The Ubele Initiative or Create Equity throughout the application process. Loan and grant amounts range from £50k to £1.5m, repayable over 1 to 6 years.
If you have any questions relating to either of these funds, please e-mail sheila.forster@ubele.org
