Boston Impact Initiative

🌟 Exciting Job Opportunities at Boston Impact Initiative 🌟 Boston Impact Initiative is seeking passionate individuals to join our team: 🔹 Staff Accountant Learn more and apply here: https://buff.ly/4cTawSz 🔹 Director of Impact Investing Education Programs Learn more and apply here: https://buff.ly/3VYOnLU Apply now and help us create positive impact in our communities! #BostonImpactInitiative #JobOpportunity #StaffAccountant #ImpactInvesting #EducationPrograms #JoinOurTeam #HiringNow

🌟 BII Portfolio Companies are growing and thriving! The Boston Business Journal has published its 2024 list of the largest minority-owned businesses in Massachusetts, and we're thrilled to share that our portfolio companies, past and present, have made the list! Congratulations to City Fresh Foods, Synergy Contracting, Inc., Solomon Group, EmVision Productions, and Waku for their outstanding achievements and continued growth. We're proud to support these innovative and impactful businesses. 🚀✨ Read the full list here: https://lnkd.in/e3F-iqdT #MinorityOwned #BusinessExcellence #ProudPartners #Innovation #Growth

🎉 Black-owned businesses have significantly contributed to the economy over the past decade. According to a 2020 report by the U.S. Census Bureau, Black-owned businesses in the United States generated approximately $150.2 billion in annual revenue. The number of Black-owned businesses has also been growing steadily, with a 34% increase from 2007 to 2012 and continued growth in the following years. Here are some key reasons for celebration: ⭐ Economic Empowerment: Highlighting Black-owned businesses helps drive economic empowerment and community development by encouraging consumers to support these enterprises. ⭐ Recognition and Visibility: It provides a platform to showcase the contributions and successes of Black entrepreneurs, bringing visibility to businesses that might otherwise be overlooked. ⭐ Addressing Inequities: The celebration draws attention to the systemic barriers Black entrepreneurs face, such as limited access to capital, mentorship, and networks, and advocates for policies and practices that promote equity. ⭐ Cultural Appreciation: It acknowledges and honors the rich cultural heritage and diverse talents within the Black business community, promoting a broader understanding and appreciation of their impact on the economy and society. ⭐ Community Building: Celebrating Black Business Month fosters a sense of community and solidarity, encouraging collaboration and mutual support among Black entrepreneurs and their allies. Despite facing unique challenges, Black entrepreneurs have continued to innovate and thrive in across multiple industries, contributing to the overall economic landscape of Boston and beyond! This month, let's shine a spotlight on the incredible entrepreneurs who are making a difference in our communities. #BlackBusinessMonth #BuyBlack #InvestInJustice #InvestInChange

Congratulations to one of our amazing portfolio companies Roundhead Brewing Company 🎉 excited for this new chapter of growth! And shout out to Boston Local Development Corporation (BLDC) for your commitment to our small but mighty businesses of Boston!

"Community development financial institutions, or CDFIs, have been a lifeline for local businesses in underserved communities for three decades. But when the nearly 100 CDFIs in Massachusetts have trouble accessing capital themselves, the whole pipeline suffers." This article in the Boston Business Journal written by Trajan Warren quotes our CEO Betty Francisco and Glynn Lloyd, about the challenges CDFI's face and the need for capital that can be used in multiple ways. Here's the thing: ➡ CDFI's provide necessary capital to keep businesses running especially in underserved communities ➡ A recent survey of CDFI's in MA revealed that 24% of CDFI's faced significant challenges in securing funding ➡ Huge opportunities are on the way for CDFI's through more federal funding "“In order to grow, we have to grow responsibly. Part of that is understanding what your organization needs and being able to respond” - Betty Francisco Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eJT3VpV8

🚀 New Investment: Eduporium 🚀 We are thrilled to announce our newest investment in Eduporium! Eduporium is an #EdTech provider on a mission to enhance the meaningful use of STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) solutions in education. They work directly with classroom teachers, school librarians, and other educators to provide customized educational technology that help students develop crucial skills. As a minority-owned business, Eduporium understands the importance of equitable access to STEM tools and has worked to provide these tools to schools across the nation. BII Fund II provided Eduporium with a working line of credit to bridge cash flow as it expanded its contracts with schools. To learn more: https://lnkd.in/eDcqx_tf #ImpactInvesting #InvestingForJustice #investingwithpurpose #InvestInChange #SocialImpact

🚀 New Investment: Ayni Institute 🚀 We are thrilled to announce our newest investment in Ayni Institute! Ayni Institute is a training and research institute for movements and organizations in social change that seek to create a more reciprocal world. They are dedicated to developing training, frameworks, material, and content that can help social change organizations and leaders develop strategies and become resilient leaders. BII Fund II provided real estate-backed financing to help the Ayni Institute purchase a building to host its training and expand future programming. To learn more: https://lnkd.in/ec2d2uZH #ImpactInvesting #InvestingForJustice #investingwithpurpose #InvestInChange #SocialImpact

🌞✨ On June 27th, we hosted our Summer Community Gathering at Eastie Farm, and it was an evening to remember! We connected with our vibrant community of donors, investors, partners, portfolio companies, and sponsors, raising an impressive $29,000 thanks to your support! 🌿 This event took place in the Greenhouse at Eastie Farms, which is proudly funded through Fund I. Guests learned about the transformative work of our portfolio companies like ChopValue, Valley Home Insulation LLC, Sunwealth, Eastie Farm, Eco Auto, and Maven Construction, Inc. / SRGE. Guests also got to enjoy delicious food prepared by Bono and beer from another one of our portfolio companies, Roundhead Brewing Company. ✨ The evening had so many highlights, but the one that stood out most was the opportunity to honor our founder, Deborah Frieze, with a standing ovation. BII exists because of Deborah’s vision, tenacity, and mentorship. We thank her deeply and dearly. 💚 Your support enables us to invest in transformative projects and provide essential technical assistance to our portfolio companies and beyond. Thank you for being a critical part of our journey! 📲 If you'd like to support BII's operational needs and community-focused programs, please consider making a donation. Your gift will have a lasting impact on our efforts to drive positive social and economic change: https://lnkd.in/eUNXewcT #ImpactInvesting #CommunityGathering #SustainableFuture #BII #ClimateAction #smallbusiness

When small businesses thrive, we all thrive, but we're nowhere near where we need to be. A recent article in the Boston Business Journal, co-written in part by our CEO, Betty Francisco, talks about the major challenges small businesses face. Data provided through the MA Small Business Survey by the Coalition for an Equitable Economy. Here's the things: ➡ 50% of small businesses throughout Massachusetts say interest rates are a key challenge (up from 15%) ➡ 27% say unfavorable repayment terms are a barrier (up from 10%) ➡ 61% of small businesses say they have one or more positions open, and cost of living and housing are a barrier ➡ Challenges are greatest among businesses owned by Black and Latino entrepreneurs Here's the solution: ✅ Compete for small businesses to start, stay and grow in the state and maintain our skilled workforce ✅ Expanding funding for business development and expansion efforts through flexible, low cost debt, structured equity and grants ✅ Addressing housing affordability ✅ Establish a technical assistance support system that provides small businesses with coaching, education, advisory services, and networking opportunities Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/eQJzKAEy

We want to highlight one of our amazing entrepreneurs Dr. Tariana V. Little who is the Co-founder of EmVision Productions, a media agency dedicated to social impact storytelling. We invested in EmVision Productions in 2021 and have seen nothing but growth since then. We’re proud to highlight the diversity of our portfolio leaders and the impact they work toward everyday. Thank you Tariana for being a proud LGBTQIA+ entrepreneur and part of our community! #EntrpreneursWithPride