Successful Impact Investors Models for Funding Social Economy in Europe: 8 case studies

Throughout all phases of the development of social economic entities, regardless of their legal form, financing remains a fundamental and often complex challenge. However, there are many actors and financing instruments adapted to these projects.

Research has repeatedly shown that the financing strategies of social enterprises differ from those of traditional SMEs. Consequently, the sources of financing for social enterprises differ from those of other businesses. 

This document examines the financing options for social economy entities in Europe that are appropriate to the needs, stage of development and legal status of social enterprises. This overview does not claim to be exhaustive, but rather provides an overview of the main actors and schemes in Europe that social economy entities can turn to assist them in their search for financing.

The report “Successful Impact Investors Models for Funding Social Economy in Europe: 8 case studies” was prepared by the Microfinance Centre (MFC) within the framework of the project “Empowering Partnerships for Social Innovation” (EPSI).