Boston Impact Initiative

We’re energized by the incredible connections made at our Impact Finance Reception during #SOCAP24, co-hosted with BII, RSF | Regenerative Social Finance, Mission Driven Finance® and Social Finance. The week culminated beautifully at WES' annual investee partner gathering, where the power of community truly shone through. In times of uncertainty, gathering together with mission-aligned partners reminds us of the importance of community and solidarity. These gatherings aren't just about learning and collaboration – they're about sustaining the movement for justice, liberation and democracy.

# Made by History, Made for this Moment: Reflections from #OFN40 Last month, the Boston Impact Initiative team joined 2,500 CDFI leaders, practitioners, and partners at the historic 40th anniversary Opportunity Finance Network Conference. As an emerging CDFI, this milestone gathering offered us invaluable insights into the field's rich history while illuminating the path forward for innovative community development finance. 📢 Made by History The conference opened with moving reflections on how CDFIs emerged from the civil rights era, when dedicated community leaders created innovative financial solutions to address systemic inequities. This origin story resonates deeply with BII’s mission, as we work to expand our model for place-based impact investing that addresses the growing racial wealth divide in Massachusetts and beyond. As our sector faces increasing demands to address persistent wealth gaps and support small business resilience, #OFN40 reinforced that CDFIs are uniquely positioned to deliver. The combination of deep community relationships, proven investing expertise with a trust-based approach - makes us essential partners in building an inclusive economy. As an emerging CDFI, we're excited to contribute fresh perspectives while learning from the decades of wisdom within this field. 🔮Looking Ahead The energy at #OFN40 was electric, with both established and emerging CDFIs ready to embrace our next chapter while honoring our roots. For BII, the conference reinforced our commitment to: 1. Building authentic community connections as we grow 2. Investing in systems and talent to increase our impact 3. Collaborating across the CDFI industry to embrace integrated capital as a solution 4. Developing innovative approaches to measuring and communicating our impact As we observe 40 years of the community development finance movement, we're inspired by the path blazed by CDFI pioneers and energized about contributing to its future. The challenges facing our communities require both the grassroots wisdom of our predecessors and the sophisticated tools of community finance. We're grateful to join this transformative movement at such a pivotal moment and thankful to OFN for bringing our industry together for this milestone celebration.

Before October heads on out of here 🏃♂️ we wanted to make sure we highlighted National Women’s Small Business Month, a time to celebrate the incredible women who are reshaping industries and driving innovation! 🎉 One standout leader in our portfolio is Nicole Ledoux, founder and CEO of 88 Acres, who’s on a mission to create delicious, allergy-friendly snacks that everyone can enjoy. 🌱 With a focus on inclusive, sustainable ingredients and supporting local farms, Nicole is redefining what it means to build a food business that nourishes both people and communities. Let’s continue supporting and uplifting women-owned businesses like 88 Acres, not only in October but all year round! 💪✨ Watch Nicole's video from our latest CEO Roundtable here --> https://lnkd.in/e-nWnpBj #WomensSmallBusinessMonth #88Acres #WomenInBusiness #FoodInnovation #SupportWomenOwned

🌍 Boston Impact Initiative is proud to announce that our Investment Director, Henry Noel Jr., recently served as a judge at the Cleantech Open, the world's largest clean technology accelerator program. Since its inception, the CleanTech Open has supported over 2,000 early-stage innovators, helping them refine their business models, engage investors, and secure their first customers. This year, Henry had the privilege of meeting companies providing innovative solutions led by a diverse group of entrepreneurs dedicated to addressing environmental and energy challenges. Congratulations to all the participants for their hard work and groundbreaking ideas. Together, we can foster a sustainable future! 🌿 #CleanTechOpen #Sustainability #Innovation #DiversityInTech #BostonImpactInitiative

Thrilled to see Betty Francisco, our CEO, featured in a recent article discussing the critical need for capital access among minority-owned businesses. In this article Betty mentions: “We’re investing predominantly in underserved entrepreneurs, so people of color, women, immigrants, and those from low-income backgrounds. By leveraging debt, equity, and grants, we aim to keep wealth within communities and support businesses in creating local jobs." Through partnerships and trust-based investments, BII is paving the way for equitable economic growth. Read the full article to learn more about how we’re supporting minority business owners in their journey to success: https://lnkd.in/e5DMH5ia

🚀 Huge congratulations to Jaylen Brown and Jrue & Lauren Holiday for receiving over 1,000 applications to the Boston XChange (BXC) program! 🎉 BXC is well on its way to creating $5 billion in generational wealth in Boston’s Black community, empowering local entrepreneurs with access to grant funding, workspaces, and business services. Excited for what else is to come! Read more here -> https://lnkd.in/eHdiNqhA

Before October comes to an end, we wanted to make sure we highlight National Co-op Month! Did you know that cooperative businesses empower communities by putting people over profit? 💪🏽 Whether it's credit unions, food co-ops, or housing cooperatives, these organizations are driven by shared values and democratic decision-making, helping to build stronger, more resilient local economies. We want to highlight an amazing co-op in our portfolio: CERO Cooperative, Inc. , a worker-owned cooperative that collects waste from local businesses. CERO’s waste separation systems increase the reclamation and sale of clean paper, plastics, metals, vegetable oil, and organic food waste, reducing trash sent to landfills and incinerators by 50 percent or more. Shout out to all the co-ops bringing the community back into business! #BII #InvestingForJustice #NationalCooperativesMonth

We are proud to announce that Boston Impact Initiative (BII), in partnership with Eastern Bank, have been recognized as a winner of the inaugural Elevating Equity Awards presented by the Partnership for Financial Equity! 🏆 This award, in the small business lending category, celebrates our collaborative efforts to support BIPOC-owned businesses and advance economic equity. Together, BII and Eastern Bank have deployed over $14M in capital to help close the racial wealth gap, create jobs, and build community wealth. We are proud to work alongside Eastern Bank to shape financial products that better serve entrepreneurs of color, and we look forward to continuing our mission of transforming capital for community impact. #ElevatingEquity #SmallBusinessLending #EconomicEquity #BIPOCEntrepreneurs #CommunityWealth 

BII’s Portfolio Manager Keyur Patel will participate in tomorrow’s panel discussion at the Mass Black Expo, “Growth Through Acquitition, Partnership, & Cooperatives”. Don’t miss it! Black Economic Council of Massachusetts, Inc.

We’re thrilled to highlight our cohort alumni, Roanhorse Consulting, for their impactful presentation at the 2024 Clinton Global Initiative! 🎉 They unveiled the Return on Indigenous (ROI) studios initiative, focused on investing in Indigenous women and empowering 60 leaders in the investment sector. With a vision to manage $100 BILLION in assets over the next decade, we’re eager to support this transformative journey. Let’s elevate the next generation of Indigenous leaders! 🚀 Learn more about our Emerging Fund Manager Program here: https://lnkd.in/e8cNcdE4