As Convergence publishes figures showing the blended finance market held strong in 2024, it predicts that US-led international assistance budget cuts will put smaller, high-impact deals most at risk.
BRUSSELS BRIEFING: Social enterprise is removed from the remit of the directorate overseeing internal market, entrepreneurship and SMEs as the EU prioritises competitiveness over sustainability. Toby Gazeley reports.
The newly launched Arab Impact Network aims to build an inclusive movement of impact organisations and ‘change the region’s narrative from one of scarcity to opportunity’.
INTERVIEW: B Lab co-lead Sarah Schwimmer explains why new B Corp standards are more stringent, how the movement is facing up to Trump's threats and why it’s vital that all B Corps take collective action to transform capitalism.
The House of Lords has been exploring how public services can be bolder in ‘levelling up’ communities around the UK. Three experts told the Lords Public Sector Services Committee why 15% 'added value' isn't good enough.
A 10% weighting for social value in selecting government contracts – potentially rising to 20% – plus new requirement to pay a living wage welcomed as “major step forward” as Northern Ireland plays catch-up with rest of UK.
PLUS: ABN AMRO’s sustainable impact fund; UK’s £30m social investment pilot for housing; investor coalition supports ‘just transition’; NESsT gets grant to support impact enterprises in the Amazon region, and more.
The ambitious Great Green Wall project could have a huge impact – if, that is, it can be driven not just from the corridors of power but also by local citizens. In the Gambia, that’s starting to happen. But the clock is ticking.
New report by Co-operatives UK shows more people have embraced co-operative ownership of their local pub, while the number of co-ops generally continues to grow despite the crisis.
A move to require all EU companies to consider stakeholder interests would fit within the broader European sustainability agenda, but it faces resistance as “traditional industries” lobby the European Commission.
Do investors care about impact? Often, no: they're more focused on the warm fuzzy feeling of 'doing good'. But some are accepting moderate returns for more impact, and they're crucial to the growth of early-stage social enterprise.
First-time deal means tech for good VC can increase financial firepower up to ten-fold and hold its own among mainstream competitors – while ensuring no “watering down” of focus on impact, according to CEO.
The Great British Social Enterprise Bake Off?... Find out why bread is one of the most popular ingredients in this year's NatWest SE100 Social Business Awards – as our 25 finalists are announced.
