First Ark Social Investment

First Ark Social Investment operated as the social investment arm of the First Ark Group, which has since rebranded to Livv Housing Group. Established to bolster the social economy of North West England, the entity launched significant funding initiatives to support the growth of social enterprises and charities.

In 2016, the organization introduced the 'Invest for Impact' fund, a £4 million scheme designed to provide a mix of grant and unsecured loan financing to organizations dedicated to creating lasting social impact. This initiative was funded by the Growth Fund, a partnership of Access – The Foundation for Social Investment, the Big Lottery Fund, and Big Society Capital. The fund offered financing up to £150,000 to eligible charities and social enterprises. By 2017, the total fund for investment in social enterprises and charities across the North West had grown to £6 million, with additional backing from The Access Fund, Reach, and The Good Finance Group.

First Ark Social Investment's business model centered on providing both financial backing and crucial support services. A dedicated team offered pre-investment and post-investment assistance, tailoring support to meet the specific needs of each organization and guiding them through the application process. The firm targeted organizations that were already making a positive impact on their communities, aiming to enhance their strength, growth, and sustainability. A key requirement for the enterprises it funded was the inclusion of an "asset lock" in their articles of association, ensuring that profits were reinvested back into the company and the community.

Following the rebranding of its parent company to Livv Housing Group in 2020, the social investment activities have continued under the new name, Livv Investment. The focus remains on supporting community-based businesses and social enterprises across Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, and Cheshire. Notable beneficiaries have included a community bakery in Anfield, a women's enterprise in West Lancashire, and a social care provider in South Cumbria. Keywords: social investment, impact investing, North West England, community finance, social enterprise funding, charity funding, blended finance, unsecured loans, grant funding, community development, asset lock, Livv Investment, First Ark Group, social economy, third sector investment, community-based business, social impact fund, pre-investment support, post-investment support, North West social economy