Legal Structure
CIC Ltd by Shares
A Community Interest Company limited by shares. Designed for social enterprises that want to attract investment through share capital while maintaining a community purpose.
Key Characteristics
- Asset lock protects community assets
- Capped dividend (currently 20% of paid-up share value)
- Must file CIC36 community interest statement
- Regulated by CIC Regulator
Advantages
- Can raise equity investment
- Familiar company structure
- Limited liability
- Social enterprise branding
Limitations
- Dividend cap limits investor returns
- Cannot access Gift Aid
- CIC Regulator oversight
- Asset lock restricts distributions
Regulator: CIC Regulator + Companies House
Take the Structure Assessment