Community Share Schemes
Community share issues are a growing phenomenon and they are a good way of raising capital for a community‑run business, even in deprived areas where local people have little disposable income to invest, as community shares can be as affordable as £1 each! This unique type of share capital can only be issued by co-operative societies, community benefit societies and charitable community benefit societies.
Community shares are a unique form of share capital that can be ‘withdrawn’. Whereas other shares are transferable and sold to realise their value, with community shares the only way to get back your investment is through withdrawing your money from the business and returning the shares to the business.
The Plunkett Foundation
The Plunkett Foundation is a national organisation for community owned shops and is one of only four sponsoring bodies to have the appropriate Model Rules to undertake a Community Share Issue. They can provide help and guidance in all areas of setting up a community shop.
The Community Shares Unit
The Community Shares Unit is a champion of community shares as a productive way raise equity for a wide range of community enterprises. They provide a breakdown of what is required and also guidance on how to raise a community share issue.
