Impact Entrepreneur

With Deep Sadness, We Remember Andrea McGrath It is with heavy hearts that we share the heartbreaking news of the sudden passing of our beloved colleague, Andrea E McGrath. Andrea passed away this past week while attending the SOCAP conference, a place she loved, surrounded by people dedicated to creating a better world. Andrea was an extraordinary leader and a treasured member of the Impact Entrepreneur community. Her deep expertise, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to the impact economy have left an indelible mark on our work and mission. Andrea served on our Advisory Board and later as a valued member of our Editorial Board, generously sharing her wisdom, compassion, and tireless energy. Beyond her roles with us, she dedicated herself to many influential organizations in the impact space, always guided by her passion for systemic change and social good. We have lost not only an inspiring advocate but also a dear friend whose warmth and dedication touched us all. Her legacy of compassion, resilience, and visionary leadership will continue to inspire us as we move forward. In memory of Andrea, donations may be directed to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. We hold her family and friends in our hearts as we grieve this profound loss. With respect and gratitude, The Impact Entrepreneur Team

?? How can equity funding reshape opportunities for underrepresented founders and underserved regions? Leah Batt highlights how Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are redefining venture capital. While traditional VC funding often excludes women, black founders, and entrepreneurs outside major cities, CDFI venture funds take a mission-driven approach. Firms like Bronze Valley, CEI VENTURES, INC., Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation, and the Community Development Venture Capital Alliance (CDVCA) are leading the way, combining financial returns with social impact. These funds support businesses creating quality jobs, boosting local economies, and championing diverse founders. From equity investments to flexible, equity-like loans, they offer a roadmap for inclusive growth. What more can the VC and CDFI sectors do to expand access and impact? Read Leah Batt's article here: https://lnkd.in/dc2Fwdtw . . . . #ImpactEntrepreneur #ImpactEconomy #SocialImpact #EquityFunding #VentureCapital #CDFI #EconomicEquity #InclusiveGrowth #Entrepreneurship #DiversityInBusiness #UnderrepresentedFounders #SocialInnovation #FemaleFounders #StartupFunding #CommunityDevelopment #SustainableDevelopment

Is it time to rethink capitalism? ?? Join us for an impactful Luminarias webinar featuring leadership mentor and author Ravi Chaudhry as he explores a transformative shift toward “Peopleism” — a model that centers human well-being and our planet in leadership and decision-making. Drawing insights from his latest book, Capitalism to Peopleism, Chaudhry will discuss the limitations of current economic systems and why sustainable leadership requires a wisdom-led, people-centric approach. This is a must-attend for anyone interested in responsible entrepreneurship and ethical governance! ?? Thursday, November 21 ?? 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM (ET) Don’t miss this chance to engage with a leader reshaping the future of leadership and sustainability. ?? Register now: https://lnkd.in/dbX4aE-p . . . . #ImpactEntrepreneur #ImpactEconomy #Luminarias #Peopleism #SustainableLeadership #EthicalGovernance #ResponsibleEntrepreneurship #RaviChaudhry #LeadershipWebinar #FutureOfWork #GlobalImpact #TransformativeLeadership #EcoConscious #SocialImpact #Governance #LeadershipDevelopment

?? Can women-led agribusinesses reshape industries and uplift communities? In his latest article, Christian Kingombe profiles Exotic EPZ Ltd, a pioneering agribusiness in Kenya led by Jane Maigua, Charity Ndegwa, and Loise Maina. Founded to empower smallholder farmers, especially women, Exotic EPZ has transformed the macadamia nut industry by creating a fair, sustainable value chain. ?? With tools like blockchain for transparent payments and eco-friendly production powered by solar energy and biogas, Exotic EPZ blends social impact with environmental responsibility. ?? However, financing remains one of Africa's biggest challenges for women-led businesses. Read Christian Kingombe’s article: https://lnkd.in/dMh3rwut . . . . #ImpactEntrepreneur #ImpactEconomy #WomenInAgriculture #SustainableBusiness #SocialEnterprise #GenderEquity #SDGs #SmallholderFarming #BlockchainInnovation #ClimateAction #Kenya

?? Last Call for Aspiring Impact Writers! Deadline: November 15 ?? Are you passionate about storytelling that drives real-world change? Impact Entrepreneur is inviting writers, journalists, and storytellers from around the globe to join our next cohort of Correspondents! This is an incredible opportunity to create impactful content, gain insights from top professionals, and grow as a writer within our Impact Journalism Institute. ?? Who Should Apply? We’re looking for voices with strong writing skills and a deep passion for the impact movement. Whether you’re a journalist, MBA grad, impact investor, or work in impact hubs, we’d love to hear your perspective and support your growth in the impact space. Don’t miss out on this chance to become a regular contributor and network with a global community of changemakers! Apply by November 15 to share stories that matter. Apply now: https://lnkd.in/dGS_zMsC . . . . #ImpactEntrepreneur #ImpactJournalism #StorytellingForChange #ImpactWriters #GlobalImpact #ImpactInvesting #SocialEntrepreneurship #SustainableDevelopment #NextGenStorytellers #ImpactMovement

What if we could invest in equitable access that builds stronger, healthier, and more resilient neighborhoods? ?? In her latest article, Karyn Polak challenges the term “resource deserts” and highlights efforts to tackle food insecurity. She reveals how local initiatives are stepping up, fostering sustainable, community-driven food access. Through volunteer-led markets and locally sourced commissary kitchens, these organizations are transforming “food deserts” into vibrant community hubs of resilience and connection. Read the full article:https://lnkd.in/dJqmKSYV How can we rethink our impact to create a thriving food system for all? . . . . #ImpactEntrepreneur #ImpactEconomy #CommunityDriven #SustainableFoodSystems #LocalEconomies #FoodJustice #ResourceEquity #PhillyCooksForPhilly #PrattFreeMarket #SocialImpact #CommunityResilience #FoodAccess #EquitableGrowth #ImpactInvesting #ChangeMakers #InvestInAbundance

?? Final Call for Earthshot Prize Nominations! ?? Time is running out to be part of the world’s most prestigious environmental innovation competition! Impact Entrepreneur is honored to once again be an Official Nominator for The Earthshot Prize — and the November 15 deadline is just around the corner! ?? Why Apply through Impact Entrepreneur? In 2023 and 2024, we proudly nominated 10% of all finalists, with an incredible 30% of finalists in the Fix Our Climate category. This is your chance to join the ranks of innovators set to transform our planet! ?? Does your work hold solutions to repair our planet? Now is the moment to showcase it! Read through the criteria, prepare a stellar application, and submit it by November 15 to make your mark on the future of environmental solutions. Apply today! https://lnkd.in/d2RNd-YY . . . . #ImpactEntrepreneur #EarthshotPrize #EnvironmentalInnovation #CountdownToDeadline #ClimateAction #Sustainability #ImpactInvesting #EcoSolutions #PlanetPositive #LastChance

?? Can big brands inspire real change? Sustainable Brands 2024 saw top companies exploring fresh ways to make sustainability engaging. From Amazon's Climate Pledge Friendly certification, guiding eco-conscious choices, to REI’s focus on joy and community in nature, companies are making sustainable options easier and more appealing. These efforts highlight the potential for brands to drive transformative change by embedding sustainability throughout supply chains, supporting diverse communities, and focusing on authenticity. Are major brands setting the right example? Could these approaches work in other sectors? Read Juli Iacuaniello's insights on Impact Entrepreneur. ?? https://lnkd.in/dKXWsU5K . . . . #SustainableBrands #ClimateAction #ImpactEconomy #ImpactEntrepreneur #SustainableLiving #EcoConscious #GreenInnovation #SupplyChainSustainability #CommunityEngagement #ConsumerImpact #Amazon #REI #ProcterAndGamble #EnvironmentalImpact #CorporateResponsibility #SustainableFuture #TransformativeChange

What do the US election results mean for impact investing and ESG? Impact Entrepreneur founder & president Laurie Lane-Zucker joins U.S. Impact Investing Alliance's Fran Seegull, Lafayette Square's Jack Moriarty, and Brookfield's Gayle Miller for a timely and important discussion about the future of the space at the Impact & Transition Investor Summit in New York City on November 12 & 13. Join the conversation! https://lnkd.in/gGz2FbBt

?? Is blended finance the key to aligning private capital with public purpose? At the Impact & Transition Investor Summit: North America, Laurie Lane-Zucker, Founder & CEO of Impact Entrepreneur, joins Daniel Firger of the Bezos Earth Fund and Abhisheik Dhawan from the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) to discuss this in the session, “Blended finance: a new dawn for an old idea.” This gathering of over 300 investment leaders and 120+ active allocators promises unmatched insights into how we can drive a transition toward a sustainable, equitable future. Will you be there? ?? Full details here: https://lnkd.in/gxRYR-b8 . . . . #ImpactEntrepreneur #BlendedFinance #ImpactInvestment #SustainableFinance #TransitionEconomy #SocialImpact #ImpactSummit #ResponsibleInvesting #ESG #FutureFinance #GlobalSustainability #EconomicTransition #EquityAndSustainability #InvestorSummit #ImpactEconomy #CapitalForGood