IMPACT 101: You've heard of gender-lens investing, but what does it actually entail? Is it only about women, and how does it overlap with impact investing? Sana Kapadia from Heading for Change has the answers.
The development funding we have must be put to better use as pressures mount, says Richard Hawkes – and development impact bonds can be transformative. He outlines their potential and dives into the debate about what's holding them back.
Ready to network, learn and get inspired? Don't book your diary without the Pioneers Post roundup of social impact events coming soon – for social entrepreneurs, impact investors and all those working within the global impact economy.
The tools and insight you need to do good business, better. Get expert advice, practical insight and frontline examples on key business management topics from our network of social business practitioners and advisors.
Our regional snapshot explores social enterprise in the world's youngest continent. First up, the entrepreneurs – including the founder of the award-winning Ghanaian business mPedigree.
SNAPSHOTS FROM ADDIS Maisha Technologies has won the respect of major funders and potential clients. It’s now set to become the first company to manufacture drones inside Ethiopia – but it’s a long, and occasionally turbulent, journey to get there.
Three women took the lead in starting a new trade association for community finance. "None of our male colleagues felt in a position to take that risk", recalls Niamh Goggin. Dial forward 20 years and the sector's leaders are male, pale and privileged.
It sometimes seemed like a sector put together with cardboard and pieces of string – and being a social investor can still feel lonely... Big Issue Invest boss Danyal Sattar reflects on 20 years of community investment in the UK.
NatWest took a big leap of faith in setting up its own community enterprise fund, says Bernie Morgan, a trustee of NatWest Social & Community Capital, recalling the early days of support for responsible investors.
SNAPSHOTS FROM ADDIS Matters of the mind were long brushed over in Ethiopia – but Erk Mead’s hugely successful programmes are helping people to open up and get professional help.
Some claim Big Society Capital’s current form – and its implications on the cost of finance – is actually holding back social investment. But, while lending all its money cheaply may be tempting, it would be a serious mistake, writes CEO Cliff Prior.
SNAPSHOTS FROM ADDIS: Business is undeniably tough for Desert Rose, which is producing affordable household water filters – but diverse revenue streams and a healthy dose of creativity are keeping the social enterprise on course.
Even the greatest products rarely sell themselves – so we asked marketers at top social enterprises Hey Girls, Clarity, Mamoq and Hubbub to share their top tips. The second in our two-part guide.
