Commissioner Michel Barnier welcomed the launch of Big Society Capital

04 April 2012

Barnier stressed that Big Society Capital is not only remarkable for its £600 million of available funding, but for the fact that this money comes from original sources – dormant bank accounts – which will now be used to finance projects that have a positive social impact.

Today marked the official launch of Big Society Capital (BSC), the UK social investment fund aiming at channelling fresh money into the social enterprise sector, and achieving positive societal impact.

"I heartily welcome this new social investment fund in the UK", said Michel Barnier, the European Commissioner for Internal market and financial services. "This official launch is an achievement for all those committed to this ambitious project from the start, especially Sir Ronald Cohen. It also marks the start of a new era, in which social enterprises will enjoy new funding opportunities."

Full statement

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