Open now: our share offer to help communities save the places they can’t afford to lose

We are delighted to announce that our ICOF Community Capital (ICC) 2026 share offer is open from today until the 31st May 2026 on the UK’s leading direct impact investing platform Ethex.

As the Government works towards it’s pledge to double the size of the co-operative sector, communities are coming together to save the village pubs and community shops, local sports grounds and social hubs that hold them together.

The ICC share offer gives impact investors a practical way to support community ownership and help co-operatives and community businesses thrive at a time when they are needed more than ever.

Backing community ownership when it matters most

The ICC share offer will raise up to £600,000 to grow a revolving loan fund dedicated to co-operatives and community enterprises. These businesses protect vital local assets that are at risk of closure or private redevelopment but struggle to access finance from mainstream lenders. ICC provides the patient, values-aligned capital that enables communities to take control of their own futures, keeping services, jobs and wealth rooted locally.

A growing sector with national importance

The launch comes as the UK Government has pledged to double the size of the co-operative and mutual sector, recognising its role in delivering fairer, more resilient economic growth. According to the Co-operative and Mutual Economy 2025 report, co-operatives are more than twice as likely to survive beyond five years than conventional businesses, while community-owned enterprises play a critical role in tackling regional inequality, strengthening local economies and supporting social cohesion. However, the report also highlights access to finance as one of the biggest barriers preventing the sector from scaling its impact.

A tax-efficient investment with social impact and targeted returns

Investing in the ICC share offer allows individuals and organisations to support this growth while benefiting from targeted financial returns. The offer includes an aspiration to pay 3% annual interest in additional shares and qualifies for Community Investment Tax Relief (CITR), whereby tax relief is available to individuals and is worth up to 25% of the value of their investment over a period of 5 years providing a further 5% annual reduction in Income or Corporation Tax over five years. Capital raised will be recycled through ICC’s loan fund, enabling more community-focused businesses to succeed and multiplying the long-term impact of each investment.

“Community ownership is one of the most powerful tools we have to rebuild resilience, connection and opportunity at a local level,” said Lisa Ashford, CEO of Ethex.

“At a time when too many communities are losing the spaces and services they rely on, this share offer gives investors a tangible way to be part of the solution. By supporting ICOF Community Capital, investors are helping communities to take ownership of their future and proving that business can work for people and place, not just profit.”

A proven model with a long track record

ICOF Community Capital has been operating for over 30 years and is managed by Co-operative and Community Finance, which brings more than five decades of experience supporting the sector. Since inception, ICC has invested millions of pounds into dozens of community businesses, recycling capital repeatedly to maximise impact and helping community enterprises turn ambition into long-term success.

Find out more about this opportunity and how to invest here

Capital is at risk and investors should read the full Share Offer Document and seek financial advice if needed.