Small rural communities are discovering they can generate sustainable income without compromising their traditions and culture. Visitors from around the world discussed ideas at the Rural Social Enterprise Gathering 2025.
Ukraine posts second highest number of climate-focused, blended finance transactions in the world in 2024 – and enters top 10 countries for first time – as blended finance identified as “form of crisis financing” – new Convergence research.
The final report from the Social Impact Investment Advisory Group points to the lack of a coherent cross-department strategy and calls for “sustainable and visible leadership” in government and the adoption of a “mobilisation mindset”.
Crisis response and preparedness has come a long way – but to manage future disasters, we need to support a marketplace for tried-and-tested innovations – and to learn from experience in countries like India.
Why we chose to interview Mirova’s Philippe Zaouati, plus integrating feminist values when scaling up social businesses. This week’s view from the Pioneers Post newsroom.
The Mirova founder and “sustainable finance activist” interviews philosophers and writes novels alongside running a company. He tells us why it's all connected – and why “strange animals” like Mirova are still needed amid concerns for the future.
Traditional funding is often too restricted and can encourage dependence. Grants that focus on boosting traded income can help social enterprises to grow on their own terms and become more sustainable.
Wealthy business founders turning to impact entrepreneurship should be a cause for celebration – or should it? The debate rages on. Plus, last chance to grab your place at Tuesday's Social Business Coffee Break.
At The Gathering for Social Investment last week, we took aside a few of the UK’s social investment leaders to explore what they think are the best aspects – and the biggest challenges – about the movement today.
From the Gathering for Social Investment, we hear calls for fresh approaches, an emphasis on redressing power imbalances – and a reminder to celebrate the wins, too. This week's view from the Pioneers Post newsroom.
Social enterprise Carefree offers unpaid carers a break by tapping into the power of tech and vacant hotel rooms. It has proven its business model, yet cannot access the finance it needs to grow. What could investors do differently?
