The Aspire Fund
The £12.5m Aspire Fund targets support for women-led businesses across the UK.
Established in 2008, the Fund is able to make equity investments of between £100k and £1m, on a co-investment basis, in order to help strong businesses grow. It will consider start-ups where the product and market are proven. The Fund is not able to invest to rescue failing businesses.
The objective of the Fund is to increase the number of successful women-led businesses within the UK, ensuring that those with real potential to succeed are not held back through a lack of growth capital.
The Aspire Fund's co-investment approach aims to extend the range of companies that can be supported with the capital available, as well as meeting requirements for State Aid. The Fund will provide up to 50% of funding for any one investment, alongside other private investors.
Although the Fund is managed by Capital for Enterprise Ltd ('CfEL'), all investments will need to be matched and led by an experienced co-investor. Any approaches to CfEL should be made through the selected co-investor.
For more information: http://www.capitalforenterprise.gov.uk/files/Aspire%20Information%20Leaflet%20(v%202)%20Flyer%20brochure.pdf
