is an investment product that aims to fill the gap between debt & equity - a patient repayment process based on trading performance.

when all or part of the value of an asset (e.g. an investment) as shown in an organisation's accounts is reduced. In respect of an investment, this may occur when the investor considers there is no likelihood of any recovery of the amount invested. 

Finance used to manage the timing differences between spending money and receiving it (income and expenditure).

a professional investor who provides capital to early stage businesses.

a commitment, for a fee, by a lender or investor to provide financing if other sources fail.

funds that can be used however and wherever an organisation needs to further its objectives.

approach to measuring a company’s performance on environmental, social and economic issues. The triple bottom line focuses companies not just on the economic value they add but also on the environmental and social value they add or destroy.

a loan drawn as a lump sum or in several portions, for a set period of time with an agreed schedule of repayment. Once any part of the loan is repaid, it cannot be re-borrowed. 

offsets the risk to investors by offering a 30% tax relief on qualifying investments. It can be used by eligible social enterprises, charities and community businesses to raise patient, flexible and more affordable capital to support their trading activities.

a payment-by-results contract where social investors pay for an organisation to deliver a service - for example, helping homeless people to find a home - and the commissioner (typically government or local authority) repays the investors with interest if the service is successful unlike a conventional bond, they do not offer a fixed rate of return. See product types for more information.