First Steps Enterprise Fund is a £300,000 pilot fund offering loan-grant packages to charities and social enterprises working in communities in England. From 19 October 2015, small community-led organisations can apply for up to £30,000 from to help them grow their services and become more sustainable. The investments are the first steps towards accessing the wider social investment market and more financing options. 

It is a pilot partnership between Asda Foundation and the Social Investment Business Foundation. The fund intends to catalyse other UK corporate foundations to use their money innovatively to create social impact in communities across the country. It will complement Asda Foundation’s other programmes and will meet their aim of creating stronger and more sustainable communities.

Deadline for applications to be considered for the next investment panel is noon Friday 11 December 2015. 

Read the guidance and then register here to download the application pack.