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What is a Community Interest Company (CIC)?

Kate has written for leading publications and blue chip companies over the last 20 years. A community interest company (CIC) is a kind of non-charitable limited company that’s set up primarily for the benefit of a community, or to achieve a social purpose.

Who owns a CIC company?

CICs can be either companies limited by shares or companies limited by guarantee. Companies limited by shares are owned by shareholders, who elect a board of directors to run the company. Companies limited by guarantee are owned by members, who elect a management committee to run the company.

What is a CIC & a social enterprise?

Halfway between a charity and an enterprise, a CIC or community interest company is one that puts people before profit. Learn more in our handy guide. A social enterprise is a business in any sector that exists to help people or communities. There are over 100,000 in the UK and they've generated around £60 billion in profits.

Can a CIC be a charity?

Your CIC can be a private company limited by shares, limited by guarantee or a public limited company. The CIC business model can incorporate a wider range of social aims than are allowed for charities. This is because the definition of community interest within the test applied to a CIC is broader than the Public Benefit Test for charities.

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