Impact investing, which supports businesses that will generate positive, measurable social and environmental impacts, has surged over the decade, going from fashionable to increasingly lucrative. Our communities’ entrepreneurs and investors, especially those who refuse to compromise their values, are well-positioned to cash in.
On April 13, the BEYOND PROFIT series returns to spur the growth of impact investing locally with their latest session, a panel discussion featuring a stellar cohort of experts from across the sector who are well-positioned to tackle all key facets of the space.
Local entrepreneurs face fierce competition for investment dollars, and area investors who are interested in putting their money back into our community have limited choices, with regard to promising opportunities. The session will help local entrepreneurs to level-up their pitch and be more in line with what investors are seeking, not to mention what our community truly needs, according to Santa Fe Innovates founder and panel organizer Jon Mertz.
The panelists include Chad Cooper, the CEO of One Hope Financial Institution, which helps fund and train minority-owned businesses; Francine Sommer, CEO of Respected Wellness, veteran entrepreneur, and venture capitalist; June Manning, head of Nusenda Credit Union’s Co-op Capital microlending program; and Drew Tulchin, President of New Mexico Angels, Managing Partner of New Mexico Vintage Fund, and former CFO of Meow Wolf.
Moderator Reilly White, associate dean at UNM Anderson who specializes in environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing, sums up the opportunity at hand: “Impact Investing in New Mexico is expected to surge in coming years on the heels of rapid worldwide growth over the last decade. At the same time, investor pressure to provide clear metrics, develop regulatory standards, and address important issues like greenwashing is increasing. New Mexico can become a haven for impact investing by embracing these challenges: facilitating opportunities for investment while measuring impact transparently and consistently.” As to what participants can expect to gain from the session, Tulchin put it this way: “Attendees will take away new ideas, new ways to frame existing concepts towards investing, and specific, actionable steps to improve our community.”
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, an investor (or investor-curious), or simply looking for a primer on impact investing, you’ll take away something valuable from this session.
Reserve your seats for BEYOND PROFIT: Impact Investing in New Mexico, April 13 at the Santa Fe Higher Education Center. Doors open at 5PM. Session begins at 6PM. Light refreshments will be served. Arrive early to network and mingle.
Though registration is required, this event is free and open to the public.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PANELISTS AND REGISTER FOR THIS SESSION »
The BEYOND PROFIT series is co-hosted by Creative Santa Fe, Santa Fe Innovates, and UNM Anderson School of Management. Thank you to our series sponsor the City of Santa Fe Community and Economic Development Office.