CIC Guides & Resources

Everything you need to know about setting up and running a Community Interest Company in the UK.

Featured Guide

How to Set Up a CIC: Complete UK Guide 2026

Step-by-step guide to setting up a Community Interest Company in the UK. Learn about CIC registration, costs, requirements & set up your CIC in 15 minutes.

20 min readRead guide

How to Pay Yourself as a CIC Director

CIC directors can be paid — but not for being a director. Learn how PAYE, self-employed invoicing, and grant compliance work so you get paid correctly.

10 min readRead guide

CIC Grants & Funding: Complete Guide to Funding Your CIC

Can CICs apply for grants? Yes! Complete guide to CIC funding sources including National Lottery, trusts, and corporate funders. Plus tips for successful applications.

18 min readRead guide

CIC vs Charity: Which Structure is Right for You?

CIC or charity? Compare tax benefits, setup time, flexibility, and regulation side-by-side. Includes decision checklist and real-world scenarios to help you choose.

15 min readRead guide

CIC vs Ltd: Which Company Type Is Right for Your Social Enterprise?

CIC or limited company? Compare asset locks, profit rules, tax, and reporting side-by-side. A practical guide to choosing the right structure.

10 min readRead guide

CIC36 Form Guide: How to Write Your Community Interest Statement

Complete guide to the CIC36 form with examples. Section-by-section walkthrough, 4 real-world templates, common mistakes to avoid, and what the Regulator is looking for.

12 min readRead guide

CIC Annual Requirements: Filing Deadlines & Compliance

Everything you need to know about CIC34 reports, accounts, confirmation statements, and Corporation Tax. Deadlines, penalties, and how to stay compliant.

15 min readRead guide

How Much Does It Cost to Set Up a CIC?

CIC registration costs £65 online or £86 by post. Full breakdown of setup costs, annual fees, and optional expenses for Community Interest Companies.

5 min readRead guide

CIC Directors: Requirements, Pay & Duties

How many directors does a CIC need? Can they be paid? Learn about CIC director requirements, legal duties, and how to appoint or remove directors.

6 min readRead guide

What Is the CIC Asset Lock?

The CIC asset lock prevents assets being extracted for private gain. Learn what it means, what's covered, and how it differs from charity restrictions.

5 min readRead guide

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