For social enterprises
We invest and nurture social enterprises which utilize and test innovative models and solutions to achieve a better social impact. As a part of our investment strategy we will provide:
Grants + non-interest loans to the social enterprises which demonstrate having:
Team
An experienced team of 1+ year(s) of operations
Social impact
Proven social impact results
Business model
A validated and market-proven business model with positive financial results
Scalability
Potential to scale
Small grants to early-stage startups which have:
Recommendation
An experienced team of 1+ year of operations
Leadership
A highly motivated leader or founders’ team
Social impact
High potential to generate impact
Innovation
A new idea for the Armenian market
Investment process
1. Receiving applications
Applications are accepted during the year: social enterprises submit their pitch decks and application forms.
2. First screening
The VIA Fund team checks applications in terms of eligibility criteria. The VIA Fund team checks if the social enterprise is a strategic fit short-lists potential investees.
3. Due diligence
Shortlisted applicants go through the due diligence process. During this process, the VIA Fund team analyzes your company in terms of:
- social impact
social impact of the enterprise, and its basic indicators
Mission and motivation of the team to achieve better social impact
- financial sustainability (including credit history check)
financial model and planned financial indicators
growth and development opportunities
- organizational resilience
the overall business strategy and market position, the team
management and decision-making structure, operational processes, legal aspects of the enterprise
4. Identifying an investment type and amount
Based on the results of the due diligence process, VIA Fund assesses the potential investees’ financial needs and chooses a financial tool.
5. Decision making
The selected social enterprises and suggested deals are considered by the Investment Committee 3-4 times a year before making a final decision on investment.
6. Signing the contract
The VIA Fund team prepares and signs a grant/loan agreement including:
- non-financial support plan
- impact metrics and targets
- reporting requirements
- special terms on returning investments
