Community shares are a way of raising investment capital from communities. Local people are encouraged to buy shares in the enterprise and become part-owners. As shareholders they are more likely to do everything they can to ensure the success of the business by becoming loyal customers, volunteers and supporters of the enterprise. Community shares have been used to finance shops, pubs, community buildings, local food schemes, football clubs and even renewable energy initiatives. Most community shares offers are made by enterprises registered under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014. This legal form provides limited liability status, just like company law. But unlike companies, shares in societies are non-speculative and democratic.