Boston Impact Initiative

📢 USFWC is advocating for WorkerCoops on Capitol Hill! Tune in to this Government Relations Panel to hear from cooperative leaders and experts on key challenges and opportunities. Let’s build the relationships needed to strengthen co-op policy in the 119th Congress! 📅 Thurs. Feb 27 | Livestream on Zoom 🔗 Register at https://lnkd.in/gh2DjMfU #WorkerCooperatives #Cooperatives #Advocacy #CoopPolicy

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟 We’ve earned our 2025 Platinum Seal of Transparency with Candid! This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to impact-driven work. At Boston Impact Initiative, we are building community, wealth and power by investing in entrepreneurs of color and community-owned businesses. Your support fuels our mission, and this seal ensures donors and funders can trust our work. 📢 Stay connected with our impact: https://lnkd.in/euJJD36x #CandidPlatinumSeal #NonprofitLeadership #ImpactInvesting

This Black History Month, we’re proud to highlight the Black-owned businesses in our portfolio that are driving economic justice and industry change. We are excited to celebrate Hillside Harvest , a Black-owned business bringing bold, handcrafted flavors to every table. Founded by Kamaal Jarrett, Hillside Harvest blends the rich culinary traditions of Jamaica and the U.S., creating premium sauces made with simple, high-quality ingredients. More than just condiments, these sauces tell a story—one of heritage, passion, and the power of food to connect people. With every bottle, Hillside Harvest continues its mission to inspire creativity in the kitchen and share the vibrant taste of the Caribbean with the world. We’re honored to highlight Hillside Harvest and the impact of Black entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of food. Stay tuned for the final spotlight! #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackOwnedBusiness #TasteTheTradition #FoodCulture #BuildingTheFuture

Congrats to our Investment Director, Henry Noel, on his appointment to the Partnership for Financial Equity Board of Directors. Excited to support the work of PFE!

🤝 𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐊: Join the Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office (SDO) and the Executive Office on Economic Development (EOED) for an informative event on Commonwealth programs and resources designed to help small and diverse businesses succeed! 🔹 When: Friday, February 21, 2025 | 6 – 7:30 PM 🔹 Where: Roxbury Community College, 1234 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA Featured speakers include Deeqo Jibril (Director of Small Business Development, EOED) and Emily Maguire (Individuals with Disabilities Program Coordinator, SDO). 📌 This event is held in recognition of Black History Month but is open to all diverse and small business owners! Learn about business certifications, procurement programs, bid opportunities, development resources, and available grants! #BlackHistoryMonth #SmallBusinessSuccess #SupplierDiversity #BostonBusiness #EconomicDevelopment

📢 Upcoming deadline Are you a small business owner? The Skip $10,000 Growth Grant help small business owners secure funding to grow and sustain their ventures. Applications for Round 6 are open until February 28, 2025. Limited spots are available. Learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/eyfhK8ek #SmallBusinessGrants #EntrepreneurFunding #BusinessGrowth #FundingOpportunities

🍽️ Exciting News from CommonWealth Kitchen, Boston’s only nonprofit food business incubator and food manufacturing social enterprise, making waves with Community Table, a groundbreaking restaurant incubator at the Boston Public Library Map Room Lounge!  This initiative provides a platform for emerging food entrepreneurs to showcase their talents, bringing diverse and innovative flavors to Boston’s culinary scene.  At BII, we’re proud to have supported Commonwealth Kitchen in their mission to create an inclusive food economy.  More details about this exciting project can be found here: https://lnkd.in/eMfjTxq3  #InclusiveEconomy #FoodEntrepreneurs #BostonEats #CommunityTable

Shout out to our CEO, Betty Francisco, recently delivered a powerful keynote at the Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition (MAWOCC) 10th Anniversary Celebration!  Betty shared her inspiring journey, emphasizing the importance of investing in entrepreneurs of color and the courage to take risks despite uncertainty. Her words remind us that progress moves forward when we move together.  Thank you, MAWOCC, for fostering leadership and creating spaces for women of color to thrive ✨  📖 Read more about the event: https://lnkd.in/e2QkpTXe  #WomenOfColor #Leadership #EquityInAction #CourageToLead

This Black History Month, we’re proud to highlight the Black-owned businesses in our portfolio that are driving economic justice and industry change. Our second company is Boston While Black a powerful community-building network dedicated to empowering Black people in Boston by fostering connection, supporting professional growth, and amplifying cultural belonging. Founded by Sheena Collier, a visionary connector and strategist, Boston While Black creates spaces where Black individuals can thrive in both their professional and personal lives. The network includes young professionals, activists, creatives, and leaders, all sharing Sheena’s mission to create a supportive community and enhance opportunities in the city. We’re honored to support Boston While Black and celebrate its role in driving change and fostering a sense of belonging. Stay tuned for more spotlights! #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackOwnedBusiness #EconomicJustice #CenterBlackCommunities #BuildingTheFuture

On February 14th at 12pm ET, we’re honored to host Ethan Kerr and John Poore, co-founders of Breaking The Mold Leadership, for an engaging Collective Conversation. The organization provides transformative experiences for white men to become more impactful partners in building inclusive workplaces and communities. Discover how their leadership programs foster self-reflection, accountability, and actionable strategies for building inclusive environments. This is an essential conversation for anyone passionate about transforming systems and creating equity. 💫 🎟️ Save your spot today: https://lnkd.in/ezT4Tyf7 #BreakingTheMold #EquityLeadership #InclusionMatters #ImpactCollective