Why Canada Is Headed to Social Capital Markets 2010

By Peter Deitz - September 30, 2010 - Comments

Categories: Social Entrepreneurship International

Among the 1,200+ participants in next week's Social Capital Markets 2010 conference, a small but passionate group will hail from Canada. They represent a cross-section of government, finance, philanthropy, and social enterprise professionals. SocialFinance.ca recently asked members of the Canadian delegation for a testimony on why they're headed to SoCap10 and participating in the collection of side events affectionately referred to as Canada Day @ SoCap10.

Below are their responses:

“We are a not-for-profit social enterprise. I hoping to learn what other organizations are doing and how social capital is supporting social enterprise.” -Francene Brothers, Live Local

“I am heading to SoCap 2010 to gather information and resources to help grow Tyze and extend our work of helping people to connect, care and contribute. I want to increase my knowledge, expand my network and meet fellow travellers in the world of money meaning. Looking forward to seeing you there.” -Vickie Cammack, Tyze

“To meet, learn and engage with thought leaders in Social Capital Markets, and see the exciting trends in this sector. To gain exposure to the minds that are growing this thriving community. Also, to be in the same room as Jacqueline Novogratz.” -Anshula Chowdhury, Social Asset Measurements

"Renewal2 invests in early stage businesses creating environmental and social impact. I am coming to SoCap to meet businesses and investors working in our sectors and to hear more about the latest shifts in the social capital markets. Looking forward to seeing everyone in San Francisco." - Carla Culos, Renewal2

“I am looking forward to SOCAP as a great opportunity to learn from leading edge thinking, new intermediaries, financial instruments and emerging metrics that will facilitate impact investing in social finance in Canada. As an academic researcher in the field, it is my view that all of these areas must be advanced in Canada to engage new sources of much needed capital." -Tessa Hebb, Carleton Centre for Community Innovation

“SHSC Financial Inc. is an Ontario based investment fund manager with a $390 M asset base consisting primarily of the capital reserves of social housing providers in Ontario. Given our investor base, we have a keen interest in both exploring impact investment opportunities as well as playing an active role in the emergence of this marketplace. SoCap10 will enhance our understanding of the leading edge thought processes and activities driving the development of the sector, while facilitating our connection into it."” -Glenda McLachlan, SHSC Financial Inc.

"The Wellesley Institute understands that a strong and healthy social sector – especially community-based organizations that deliver housing, health and social services – are vital to personal and population health. Community-based service organizations are facing multiple challenges, including financial sustainability. The specific issues – administrative burden, uncertain government funding, uncertain funding from donors and other charitable sources, uncertain earned income, capacity and skills issues within the sector, HR concerns – are all influenced by a critical lack of capital to serve three parallel sets of needs: Working capital to cover operating and project costs; reserve capital to ensure resiliency in facing an uncertain future; and growth capital to support innovation and growth. As the WI’s lead in our social innovation practice, I’m going to SOCAP to listen and learn, be inspired, share practical challenges to improve our understanding of the complex and dynamic realities of the social sector and to improve our pragmatic policy practice.” - Michael Shapcott, The Wellesley Institute

"I'm in the process of moving back to North America after a year at Oxford University completing my MBA, and SOCAP10 seems like the ultimate spot to plug back in. It's a remarkable time in the evolution of social capital markets, and there are a number of really exciting initiatives happening at our organization Global Agents and its spin-off Education Generation. We're seeking partners, potential future grantees, and continued interaction with the next big ideas - one peek at the guest list made it clear this was a 'can't miss' gathering." -Shawn Smith, Global Agents for Change

“We believe social business is the means to a better, brighter future. We’re looking forward to networking with like-minded people on the same path to a healthy, prosperous and sustainable future.” - Fraser Wilson, Axiom News

The full list of Canada Day @ SoCap10 participants: