The European Commission invites all citizens and organisations to contribute to this consultation. This includes social businesses, producers and distributors of investment funds and other financial products and services, institutional and retail investors, social rating agencies or social accreditation institutions, local, national and regional authorities, philanthropic organisations and networks, and any other stakeholders interested in the evolution of social business and social investments. The Period of consultation is from 13/07/2011 to 14/09/2011 

 
The consultation seeks feedback on possible options for aiding social businesses by means of investments from private individuals channelled through investment funds. Investment funds are an established mechanism for matching investors and those seeking investments, and could help social businesses get funding. Some initial feedback on the Single Market Act has suggested certain barriers to funding social businesses in this way might exist, because of the nature of these businesses, and possibly because of existing rules applying to those running funds. The consultation outlines some of the issues and asks for input on possible next steps.

 
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