1. a very social bank
“As a simple objective ... profits in excess of those required for reasonable return
on shareholders ... capital and for prudent reserves would be devoted to
purposes relating to the higher interests of the community”
Unity Trust Bank founding quote 1984
Prepared by: Lee Jagger
Prepared for: Empty Homes
Community Grants Programme
Date: 2nd March2013

2. Finance Options
Type
Short Term Loan (<1 year)
Medium Term Loan (1-5 years)
Long Term Loans (5+ years)
Grants
Gifts and Donations
Equity
Sources
Commercial Sources e.g. Banks
CDFI’s
Grant Giving Bodies
Specialist VCO Funds
Individual Supporters

3. Business Plans
Business plan will include:
•Description of idea
•Details of track record
•Market information: who are your customers, how many do you
have, how much will they pay- EVIDENCE?
•A plan of how to reach the target client – partners/tactics etc
•Financial projections
•A clear rationale for the projections that relates to both current
financial performance and the market analysis
Less can be more!!!

4. Questions we ask
Customer- Who are we lending to (Legal status/board
members/main staff)?
Ability- Track record (experience/skills)?
Means- Available security?
Purpose- What will funds be spent on?
Amount- How much required, is it enough and other sources?
Repayments- Is the loan affordable?
Interest- Can vary with perceived risk?
(CDFI) - Same as the banks- different decision!

5. How we decide
Ultimately we ask
Investment ready (can they do it, do I believe now), what are
risks?
If not how can I mitigate risks?
Would I invest my own money?
Top tips
Keep it concise.
Assume nothing- expect questions.
Own the proposal- know your stuff.
Keep in contact and build relationship.