In this issue: Vatican hosts third impact investing conference; POV from a human trafficking survivor No Images? Click here
Recasting Church ministries to mobilize financing
by John Kohler Around 160 impact investing experts and Catholic leaders from around the world convened in Rome last week at the Third Vatican Impact Investing Conference. Miller Center's John Kohler observed a notable shift at this year's biennial gathering: ministries embracing the idea to be recast as social enterprises. Those at the bottom of the pyramid are already turning to Church ministries when in need of clean water, electricity or housing. Indeed, investments are already improving the lives of the poor and creating sustainable businesses, so conference goers focused on actionable ways to harness the power of the marketplace, mobilize the private sector and propel impact investments. To learn about the conference and commitments to advocate, partner and invest, click here to read John's blog.
The hope to push forward
by Regenesys BPO Jobless and alone, 19-year-old single mother Amanda met a man promising a job and support. “I believed him because I was desperately looking for someone to take care of me." The man forced Amanda into sex work, selling her to other men. It was a terrifying situation. She did not know where to go. She did not know what to do. So, feeling powerless, she complied. Fast forward to the present. Through a job readiness program, Amanda was connected with Regenesys BPO, a digital outsourcing service based in the Philippines that trains and employs human trafficking survivors. As World Day against Trafficking in Persons approaches, we invite you to read about Amanda's journey and the fortitude she found to push forward.
In the news, announcements & morePAVING THE WAY FOR COMMERCIAL INVESTORS | Climate change and violence are forcing millions to flee for their lives. This unfortunate reality has created a growth market. These crises were top of mind for many attendees at last week’s Third Vatican Impact Investing Conference. Read about the emerging sector of impact investing funds and bonds focused on migrants and refugees in this ImpactAlpha article. USING AI TO COMBAT TRAFFICKING | Human trafficking is pervasive and a startling $150 billion industry. Social enterprises like Zero Trafficking are developing AI technology to fight this crisis and was highlighted along with other participants in our Social Entrepreneurship at the Margins cohort in this National Catholic Reporter article. A PIVOT TO PARTNERSHIP | Anya Cherneff, founder of Empower Generation (GSB ’15), discusses why she partnered with “competitor” Pollinate Energy (GSBI ’16, ’17, ’18). Read about their journey to partnership and pursuit for scale in this article, a part of Next Billion’s “Course Correction” series. THE KEY TO UNLOCKING LOCAL CAPITAL | There’s an urgent need for a new generation of African fund managers to democratize impact investing on the continent. At the same time, private equity funds in Africa are young. The founder of Vava Coffee (GSBI ’16) shares her fundraising challenges as a social entrepreneur in Kenya in this recent article from Wired. FASHION FORWARD FOR SOCIAL IMPACT | Upcycling has become a life-changing career opportunity for the 1,000 Filipino artisans working with Rags2Riches, Inc. (GSBI ’11). Taking advantage of personal financial education, some artisans have gone from earning just 20 cents/day to being able to send their children to college. Be inspired by the impact of Rags2Riches on this CNBC feature. THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT | Centro Community Partners (GSBI ’16) has developed the first mobile app that can build a business plan for someone with little to no entrepreneurship training or experience. Using simple activities, the Centro Business Planning App, available free of charge, is able to generate a business plan, assess creditworthiness, and create budget and income statements. The app also helps entrepreneurs in the U.S. acquire interest-free Kiva loans of up to $10,000. LIFE AS A REFUGEE | As part of World Refugee Day, 1951 Coffee Company hosted an event for its Berkeley, California community. Currently one of the participating enterprises in our Social Entrepreneurship at the Margins cohort, 1951 Coffee Company provides refugees employment and the opportunity to learn more about the coffee industry. Read the article in The Daily California here. THE BIOECONOMY AND YOU | Compassion, ingenuity, wisdom and unity are key components to achieving a successful bioeconomy. Fast Company explores how to create a working bioeconomy and references Husk Power Systems (GSBI ’09, ’13, ’16), a social enterprise providing clean, affordable energy sources in rural India. Click here to read the article. TAKING ON THE BIG APPLE | On World Refugee Day, Manyang Reath, one of the “Lost Boys” of Sudan, spoke with Nasdaq about founding 734 Coffee and why it’s critical to support refugee entrepreneurs. 734 Coffee is part of our Social Entrepreneurship at the Margins cohort. Click here to watch the video. Want to learn more about the GSBI alumni mentioned here? Check out Miller Center's Alumni Search.
Out & about with Miller CenterMiller Center for Social Entrepreneurship is a pioneer when it comes to accelerating social enterprises, so you'll find our team at a variety of events across the globe. We're actively accompanying entrepreneurs on their journeys and sharing our learnings with others in the ecosystem. If our paths may cross, please reach out to us - we'd enjoy connecting! Please note some listed events are not open to the public.
Missed one of our newsletter editions? Click here for Miller Center's newsletter archive. ABOUT US Miller Center's Global Social Benefit Institute (GSBI®) helps social entrepreneurs help more people. Since 2003 we have accelerated over 893 social entrepreneurs, who have raised over $662M, and positively impacted the lives of over 267M people. Banner photo courtesy of Remo Casilli for CRS. 734 Coffee interview image: Nasdaq, 2018, Videos, Facebook, viewed on 2018 June 20. Unless otherwise indicated, all other images and photography are property of Santa Clara University. |