Since many social businesses are also SMEs, measures that facilitate access to finance for SMEs could also help social businesses. In this context, of notable importance are the support and regulatory frameworks for venture capital, in particular the steps to be taken to develop a EU passport for Venture Capital funds. The extent to which work on establishing such a passport might aid social businesses is central in considering the effectiveness and efficiency of the options identified in this impact assessment. In general terms, social businesses facing funding shortfalls are SMEs, and investment funds targeting social businesses can.
