OPINION: There is a critical layer in the impact movement – the intermediaries that support social entrepreneurs and impact investors. But we must rethink the economics of this field-building role.
The Australian actor and philanthropist is putting his Hollywood star power behind Humanitix’s efforts to disrupt the ticket sales industry, aiming to grow the impact of the social enterprise five-fold.
An enterprise rescuing wasted food for schools, a CIC providing trauma-informed training, a hospitality business accelerating race equity and an organisation helping visually impaired people travel – meet the NatWest SE100 Impact Pioneer finalists.
EXPERT INSIGHT: Faith organisations holding billions of dollars of investment assets met in Paris for an inaugural conference last week and launched a new multi-faith network of investors and centre of excellence.
EXPERT INSIGHT: New legislation puts social enterprises, co-operatives and other inclusive businesses at the centre of an economy that works for people, communities and the planet. And it’s part of a wider global conversation.
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.
The British Council and Social Enterprise UK are supporting people from 15 UK social enterprises to attend next week's Social Enterprise World Forum in Addis Ababa, helping increase the diversity of attendees.
Bite-sized stories this week include record interest in B Corp certification, a big commitment to buy social, latest research on giving to charity, and new hires at Social Investment Scotland.
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.
The latest research into social enterprise in Turkey finds a small but rapidly growing sector, working in areas such as improving education and supporting refugees. Yet more recognition is needed for social enterprises to truly fulfil their potential.
