Application Questions
Does my business need to be based in Camden?
No, but you do need to be making an impact on young people in Camden or planning to make an impact on young people in Camden in the next 6 months.
Can I still apply to be part of Camden Community Wealth Fund’s Diversity Panel if I apply to the Youth Fund?
Yes, these are being run as two independent pilots so you can be a Diversity Panel member and apply to the Youth Fund for investment.
What’s the difference between the Youth Fund and the Diversity Fund?
Camden Community Wealth Fund is a £30 million investment fund that will provide repayable loans and equity finance to help local people grow businesses that empower young people or are run by a diverse group of people. In its first year, the fund will invest £4 million through two pilot programmes:
- Our Youth Pilot will invest £2m in businesses empowering young people. Local business owners can apply for investment via our Youth Fund this August and September.
- Our Diversity Pilot will invest a further £2m in businesses increasing diversity in positions of power. Applications are now open to join our Diversity Panel to help us decide which businesses receive investment.
Do I need to be making revenue?
Yes, businesses who are not generating revenue will unfortunately not be eligible for the fund.
Can I re-apply if I fail?
Yes, if you are found to be ineligible but then change your eligibility, then you are welcome to re-apply to the Camden Community Wealth Fund’s Youth Fund.
What if an application is not the best way for me to present my business?
The application form allows all your details to be uploaded onto our database so we can track you through the investment process, so unfortunately you will need to fill out an application form so we can make sure an Investment Manager is assigned to your case.
However, you are welcome to upload other information as there is the possibility of doing this within the form (only xls or pdf format permitted however).
Also, there are opportunities for you to attend a session either online or in person, or email CommunityWealthFund@camden.gov.uk to get support on filling out the form, or discuss any accessibility issues.
Will you hold my data?
Applications and organisational details are held on our database for up to 10 years. This is to help us keep a record of organisations who might submit numerous applications and/or organisations receiving finance where this is the length of their repayable term. You can contact us to request your data be fully deleted at any time by emailing us on CommunityWealthFund@camden.gov.uk.
Do you invest outside of UK?
No, unfortunately we cannot invest in businesses based outside of the UK
Are there any priority sectors or types of businesses?
Businesses who are making an impact on young people in Camden are welcome to apply, particularly those working in these three areas:
- Diversity and inclusion initiatives – e.g. inclusive recruitment policies or anti-racism training
- Confidence and skills building – e.g. training, tutoring, apprenticeships or mentoring
- Mental health and wellbeing support – e.g. providing young people with space and community to improve their mental health and wellbeing
What type of investment do you offer?
The Youth Fund offers repayable loans.
What type of company do I need to be?
To apply, you need to be established as a company, a Community Interest Company (CIC) or a charitable organisation.
We are open to early stage and more established companies, charities or social enterprises so long as you are generating revenue and demonstrating your impact.
What’s the minimum and maximum I can borrow?
Our investment range is £20,000 to £500,000 per organisation.
Diligence Questions
How long is the diligence process?
It is expected to take 4 months to complete.
What do I need to prepare for diligence?
- A growth plan setting how investment will lead to growth and how repayments on the debt will be made
- A financial model setting out the numbers behind your growth plan
- Historic financial statements going back for at least three years or as long as the organisation has been operating for
- Details on sales, for example an invoice list setting out historical customers over the last few years
- An understanding of your key competitors (this might form part of your business plan)
- An understanding of the market you operate in (this might form part of your business plan)
- Information on key team members in the organisation and their experience
Investment Questions
What types of funding are available (e.g., grants, loans, equity)?
We offer low cost loans i.e. loans on a low interest rate basis of maximum 5%.
Is the funding repayable? If so, under what terms?
Yes. We can offer a repayment holiday of up to two years and then an equal payment made up of capital and interest payment will be made after that, based on your individual financial circumstances.
Will you take equity in my business?
No.
Legal Questions
What legal agreements will I need to sign?
You will need to sign a loan agreement. This is being prepared in accordance to Equalising Deal Term principles which aims to reduce unnecessary burdens on the organisation taking on investment and unnecessary requests to reduce risk from the lender.
Will I need a lawyer?
You are welcome to use a lawyer to review the loan agreement. However, we will be issuing standard agreements created on Equalising Deal Term principles to make it fairer for organisations taking on investment.
Are there any restrictions on how I use the funds?
You will need to use them to enact the plan you set out in the investment proposal. You will have some freedom and flexibility within this.
Post Investment Questions
What happens if I can’t repay?
Let your investment manager know as soon as possible if you are experiencing issues and we will try to come to an agreement about how to proceed.
Will there be reporting requirements?
Yes, you will be required to provide regular updates on your progress from a financial and social impact perspective.
Can I apply for follow-on funding?
Yes, but the Youth Fund will close to applications at the end of September 2025. You will need to apply to the following Community Wealth Funds – either the Diversity Fund in early 2026 or the full Community Wealth Fund in 2027. Eligibility criteria for these funds have not yet been determined, so it is possible that you will not be eligible for these later funds.
What happens if my business pivots or changes direction?
Let your investment manager know as soon as possible so that we can determine whether there needs to be any changes to your loan agreement.
