Social Finance: Ethical, Environmental & Everyone is back to share innovations in impact investing and social finance worldwide.

Each week, experts in impact investing, social finance, social entrepreneurship and innovations in finance from around the world will join us to share their work. Discussions will include new models of investing for social purpose, projects on the forefront of social and environmental change,  stories from the field and best practices for the future of food, people and the planet.

Upcoming Sessions

Session #5: Wednesday, March 31 at 12:00pm EDT

Fairtrade Canada | Eugene Ellmen, Chair

Fairtrade Canada is the Canadian branch of Fairtrade International, which works to secure better prices, working conditions and fair trade for farmers and workers in developing countries. Fairtrade advocates for thriving farmer and worker communities that have more control over their futures. They stand in solidarity with producer organizations, without compromise, to their standards, prices, or vision to make trade work for everyone along the supply chain.

Le FIRA | Paul Lecomte agr., directeur général

FIRA is a private company that supports the next generation in their access to agriculture. The fund was established by the Government of Québec , the Solidarity Fund QFL and Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins . They joined forces in 2011 to create the Investment Fund for Agricultural Succession (FIRA). Through their respective contribution of $ 25 million to this fund, these partners support the development of agriculture in Quebec by supporting the sustainability of our agricultural businesses and encouraging the new generation to take over.

Past Sessions

Session #1: Wednesday, March 3 at 12:00 pm EST

The National Lottery Community Fund | John Rose, Chief Executive

The National Lottery funds projects and activities that transform communities, protect their heritage, and enrich lives through arts, sports and culture, all through the purchase of a National Lottery ticket.

The Fair Food Fund | Joel Moyer, Portfolio Manager

The Fair Food Network program provides financing and business assistance to good food enterprises that connect small and mid-size farms with consumers hungry for local, sustainably grown food.

Session #2 : Wednesday, March 10 at 12:00 pm EST

California Freshworks | Esperanza Pallana, Community Vision's Director of Strategic Initiatives and Administrator

California FreshWorks is a loan and grant program that provides financing to food enterprises who are working to increase access to affordable, healthy food in low-income and underserved communities in California.

AgroEcology Fund | Daniel Moss, Executive Director

The AgroEcology Fund (AEF) is a multi-donor fund supporting agroecological practices and policies. The Fund aims to support viable food systems, promote the economic well-being and human rights of small farmers and their communities, and mitigate climate change through low input agriculture featuring sustainable soil and water use.

Session #3: Wednesday, March 17 at 12:00pm EST

Coastal Enterprises Inc. | Gray Harris, Senior Vice President of Food System Strategies

Coastal Enterprise Inc (CEI) integrates financing, business and industry expertise, and policy solutions to help grow good jobs, environmentally sustainable enterprises, and shared prosperity in Maine and other rural regions.

HATCH | India Boyer, Dealflow Manager

HATCH's vision is to achieve the least-possible footprint of farmed and alternative seafood to benefit the oceans, terrestrial ecosystems, and future generations. After two years in operation, HATCH has invested in more than 30 companies.

Session #4: Wednesday, March 24 at 12:00pm EST

Iroquois Valley Farmland REIT | David E. Miller, Co-founder & CEO

Iroquois Valley Farmland REIT is an organic farmland finance company that provides farmer-friendly leases and mortgages to the next generation of organic farmers. Since their founding in 2007, they have directed $50 million in investments in organic agriculture.

KOIS | Serena Guarnaschelli, Partner & Roman Kovac, Senior Associate

KOIS uses innovative finance, fund management and impact investing to scale projects with high societal and environmental impact. They even support the Crop Trust, an international nonprofit organization working to preserve global crop diversity.