Autocracy is on the rise worldwide, and impact investors seem reluctant to step in. But large-scale transformations to health, education or the environment need a strong democratic base, the Latimpacto event heard last week.
Social Enterprise World Forum’s Social Investment Manifesto calls for a reframing of social investment, as social enterprises remain excluded from investment opportunities in a market still split between profit maximisation and philanthropy.
Europeans have been hit hard by unprecedented crises over a hellish summer. As the EU negotiates its next multi-year budget, it’s time for the social economy to show both policymakers and citizens it has proven solutions to tackle them, writes Toby Gazeley from Brussels.
Travel is said to broaden your horizons, and the Latimpacto conference in the Brazilian city of Manaus this week gave delegates an ideal opportunity to bring fresh eyes to their work. We asked them what they were reconsidering.
There’s plenty going on inside the Brussels bubble that will affect how the social economy is supported – or not – around the European Union. Toby Gazeley deciphers the latest news from the EU capital and tells us what to look out for next.
A city centred on the circular economy, inclusive entrepreneurship and civic engagement: too good to be true? Not if we tap into startup-led innovation – and are willing to take some risks.
The UK’s most impressive social enterprises – creative, resilient and optimistic despite a difficult year – are celebrated at our annual awards ceremony in London.
From venture competitions to hackathons to master’s degrees, students have more opportunity than ever to explore social entrepreneurship. Universities – and wider society – have much to gain, says Manchester University’s Robert Phillips.
Founding editor Tim West reflects on accepting a prestigious prize among the spires of Cambridge – recognition of Pioneers Post's more than 20 years covering the pioneers in social innovation.
There is almost no early-stage, innovation-friendly impact investing, says serial social entrepreneur Mitra Ardron. Should we just admit that all we can do is make impact investors feel good about applying band-aids without fixing the problem?
Annual review reveals profits down to £4m in challenging economic landscape, but CEO insists investing in social impact makes “good business sense” even in difficult times.
ANALYSIS: Chocolate social enterprise Tony’s Chocolonely has a new legal structure to safeguard its mission, which it claims is a model for others to follow. Does its “mission guardians” and “golden share” approach do the trick?
Cambridge Centre for Social Innovation's £10,000 award supports social entrepreneurs to develop their leadership skills and grow the impact of their businesses.
