Caldwell says it is vital that they generate as many sources of income as possible, including new investment.
The academy has been incredibly successful in developing players who have gone on to bring in millions of pounds in transfer fees and sell-on payments.
Ollie Watkins, Ethan Ampadu and Jay Stansfield have all earned the Grecians high fees, while the sales of lower-profile players have also had a great impact on the club’s finances.
But Caldwell says City cannot be reliant on player sales, as there is no guarantee around the players that the club can develop.
“I think we always have to be a trading club, so I think we always have to use the academy, use our good recruitment and kind of sell players on at different times,” he added.
“I always say when we do that, we should be proud of that, that shouldn’t be a negative that we just sell our best players.
“That should be celebrated and that is a big part of how we fund this football club, but we’re at a point now where we need something else.
“There needs to be something else in terms of finances that can help this football club move forward and that can be a whole number of different things.
“More Trust members, it can be outside investment, it can be loads of different things, and the people above me are constantly discussing, talking, trying to find a way to do that and if I can help in any way then I’m here to do that as well.”
