News and Views

  • Can social enterprises show the EU they can deliver what it needs?

    BRUSSELS BRIEFING: The social economy could face serious headwinds as EU policymakers shift priorities. Now is the time for social enterprises to show they can make the bloc more competitive – with added impact, writes Toby Gazeley.

  • Opinion: Blended finance isn’t perfect, but it’s essential

    Yes, blended finance has its flaws, but Mariana Mazzucato’s critical UN briefing creates a misleading narrative around its role, says Joan Larrea of Convergence. The approach’s real promise is not as a gap-filler, but a market enabler. 

  • USAID shutdown ‘undermines global impact investing ecosystem’

    As Donald Trump pulls the plug on the world’s largest aid donor, the impact investing community warns the existing funding gap to meet the SDGs will widen by billions of dollars. But is China now poised to step forward?

  • Opinion: Female founders are not uninvestable: I can bust the myths that are holding them back

    Women entrepreneurs still struggle to raise capital, and it is because of systemic gender bias, says Marta Zaccagnini. Her experience with impact-focused founders proves that women have enormous untapped potential. 

Amsterdam social enterprise tour at SEWF 2023

The Editor’s Post: Remembering David LePage

Our editor reflects on meeting David LePage, a true champion of social enterprise, who died in May. Plus we consider the global significance of the EU elections. This week’s view from the Pioneers Post newsroom.

 

The Impact World this Week: 6 June 2024

The most interesting news snippets from around the world. This week: why deeper investment is needed in our oceans, microcredit funds target growth of ‘socio-bioeconomy’ in Brazil, and a social enterprise radio station launches in Wales. 

The Impact World this Week: 31 May 2024

The most interesting news snippets from around the world. This week: A new fund sets out to help Asia’s underserved communities in the AI job race and
diverse social entrepreneurs face major barriers to access funding in Scotland.

 Nicolas Schmit looking at his watch

The Editor's Post: Waiting for EU

It's the EU Parliament's turn in the 2024 elections series. With the far-right on the rise, supporters of the impact economy will be waiting for the result with anguish. This week's view from the Pioneers Post newsroom.

The Impact World this Week: 24 May 2024

The most interesting news snippets from around the world. This week: The social enterprise community pays tribute to David LePage, a new report highlights the value of social value and a strategy to mobilise £1tn of impact capital is launched.