97. Buzzbnk

Founders: Michael Norton OBE and Theresa Burton
Founded: December 2009 (launched January 2011)
Website: www.buzzbnk.org

Crowdfunding is quickly becoming mainstream, and an effective way for businesses to raise start-up or growth capital. Buzzbnk is crowdfunding with a difference: it focuses on social enterprises and charities, and connects them with people who want to support them with time, money (through donations or loans) or both. To date it has helped raise over £330,000 for 27 social ventures.

Co-founded by serial social entrepreneur Michael Norton OBE (co-founder of Changemakers, YouthBank and UnLtd, among others), the site is currently developing the functionality to be used on mobile platforms. The aim is to build an online community of more than 5,000 ventures and raise over £40m in the next five years. The site makes money through taking a small commission, but 70% of profits will go to good causes.