I was first introduced to the Acumen Fund in 2009 when I was looking to work internationally. It was recommended to me as a well-run non-profit that addressed the issues of poverty using a market-driven approach. While it has been on my radar since then, the Toronto Chapter’s “Dignity In Focus” event was the first time I formally interacted with the organization. On December 1, Toronto + Acumen partnered with Nuru Project to host a photo auction fundraiser. Judging from the packed room, engaged crowd, and beautiful pictures, I’d say that the event was a success.
Social Entrepreneurship
The 2011 Social Finance Forum, which took place over the past two days at the MaRS Discovery District in Toronto, brought together investors and ventures in order to create meaningful interactions and learning opportunities to mobilize capital and inspire new ideas. This video covers some of the key events of the day.
Follow the 2011 Social Finance Forum: Investing in Good Deals live from this blog post! Refresh the page to see new updates.
If the page does not reload quickly enough, follow the Storify on http://storify.com/socialfinance/2011-social-finance-forum
There are a number of ways you can engage online too:
- Tweet using the hashtag #sff11
- Check in to the event at http://tinyurl.com/linkedinsff11
- Post comments on our Facebook wall at http://www.facebook.com/socialfinance
Visit http://socialfinanceforum.marsdd.com for more details.
As the 2011 Social Finance Forum: Investing in Good Deals approaches, it would be great to engage with participants and the wider social finance community ahead of time to discuss what to look forward to. If you're not already planning to attend,this conversation may change your mind!
Support for small- and medium-sized enterprises is critical to the success of any economy. But long-term, sustainable success requires support and investment in enterprises that will generate not only economic profitability, but also social development and environmental sustainability.
MaRS has a history of enabling local economic success by creating opportunities for homegrown entrepreneurs to connect with new funding sources. The newly launched MaRS Centre for Impact Investing is continuing this tradition by hosting an introductory pitch session on December 14th for its social entrepreneur clients in need of strategic support and investment capital.




























