The global impact deals, reports and initiatives you need to know about this month – all in one place. Featuring the Global Fund for Coral Reefs, Jack Dorsey's Block, Mirova, Incofin, NatWest and many more.
Social investment counts for just 1.4% of all UK business lending. So how can we get mainstream banks to play a much bigger role in the social economy? By changing the incentives – and therefore the culture – of banking, says the Big Issue Invest CEO.
Coutts, Triodos, Bridges Fund Management among those in new B Corp coalition calling on financial firms around the world to rewrite their constitutions to legally commit to a social and environmental purpose.
STREETS OF AMSTERDAM: Yoni is bringing its biodegradable, organic-cotton products to supermarkets across Europe. But perhaps its biggest challenge is busting taboos around menstruation – especially when some say they don't exist.
PLUS: Pioneering revenue-based fund launches in Scotland; Back Market raises $335m in “bullish” circular economy market; AU$8m boost for Queensland social enterprises; Dutch trio backs “truly disruptive” AI firm Envision – and more.
Despite the UK's rainy reputation, a sunny future lies ahead for Low Carbon Hub’s Ray Valley in Oxfordshire, set to power 6,000 homes and generate £10m locally, after a hugely popular community share offer and £4.4m loan from Triodos.
As the Impact Investing Institute officially launches today, CEO Sarah Gordon speaks to Pioneers Post about her vision to tap into current “momentum and energy” for doing things differently.
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.
Social entrepreneurs may acknowledge there’s a crisis unfolding, but that doesn’t mean there’s a clear path ahead for how they should respond. Are they falling short – or does the responsibility lie elsewhere?
 and Wendelien (right).jpeg?itok=yX_1yLN6 "Yoni co-founders Mariah Mansvelt-Beck and Wendelien Hebly")
