Social Finance’s Post

What does #Budget25 mean for #socialenterprise? We've put together a summary of relevant announcements for you. https://lnkd.in/eezAh2Uj Irish Local Development Network Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Rethink Ireland Department of Rural and Community Development Department of Finance Ireland Irish Social Enterprise Network #socentIRL

💡 In City AM this week, former Chief Secretary to the Treasury Sir Stephen Timms argues that if Labour wins the #generalelection, they should forge a strategic partnership with the #ImpactEconomy – social and impact investors, philanthropists, and purpose-driven businesses able to contribute to Labour’s ambitions.   We agree that the next government will need to be imaginative in mobilising resources to help deliver their ambitions; the #ImpactEconomy is essential to drive this progress.   Stephen's calls for an Office for the #ImpactEconomy within HM Treasury – which could unlock *up to £50bn of additional #SocialImpactInvestment over the next decade* – are extremely welcome. Blending public investment with private will be essential.   🎯 We support calls for an increased use of #SocialOutcomesContracts to tackle entrenched issues such as child poverty and long-term unemployment; the approach generates nearly £9 of public value for every £1 spent. Advocates include former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who proposes a £1 billion children's fund supported by outcomes contracts, to give every child the best possible start in life.   🏠 Any future government could also extend the National Wealth Fund model to other key priorities like affordable housing, where #SocialImpactInvestors have kept 3,300 people facing homelessness out of temporary accommodation.   Read how a future government can effectively leverage #SocialImpactInvestment 👇 https://lnkd.in/e8KU2DGP   #ImpactEconomy #InvestforImpact #BlendedFinance #Philanthropy #PurposeDrivenBusiness #SocialInnovation

Rural America is going digital, fueled by $42 billion in federal broadband investment through the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. But how will states choose to deploy that money over the next two years? It is imperative that state leaders go local with BEAD funds. Cooperatives, municipal utilities, and other local broadband service providers (BSPs) serve as trusted partners—providing excellent service while understanding the unique needs of their members.   Kerry Haughan, senior vice president of commercial strategy for Calix, shares five reasons why states should go local with these partners through BEAD funds:  ✔️ Their long history of serving their communities  ✔️ Their ability to rapidly scale and innovate  ✔️ Their deep understanding of their community’s needs beyond speed  ✔️ Their capacity to grow long-term value for the community  ✔️ Their exponentially higher customer satisfaction  Read the full article to explore how BEAD funding can help BSPs continue to build on a legacy of serving their communities. 🔗https://ow.ly/be6430sAHgY

Rural America is going digital, fueled by $42 billion in federal broadband investment through the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. But how will states choose to deploy that money over the next two years? It is imperative that state leaders go local with BEAD funds. Cooperatives, municipal utilities, and other local broadband service providers (BSPs) serve as trusted partners—providing excellent service while understanding the unique needs of their members.   Kerry Haughan, senior vice president of commercial strategy for Calix, shares five reasons why states should go local with these partners through BEAD funds:  ✔️ Their long history of serving their communities  ✔️ Their ability to rapidly scale and innovate  ✔️ Their deep understanding of their community’s needs beyond speed  ✔️ Their capacity to grow long-term value for the community  ✔️ Their exponentially higher customer satisfaction  Read the full article to explore how BEAD funding can help BSPs continue to build on a legacy of serving their communities. 🔗https://ow.ly/gu4z30sAxLA

Finding--and choosing--the right grants

Rural America is going digital, fueled by $42 billion in federal broadband investment through the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. But how will states choose to deploy that money over the next two years? It is imperative that state leaders go local with BEAD funds. Cooperatives, municipal utilities, and other local broadband service providers (BSPs) serve as trusted partners—providing excellent service while understanding the unique needs of their members.   Kerry Haughan, senior vice president of commercial strategy for Calix, shares five reasons why states should go local with these partners through BEAD funds:  ✔️ Their long history of serving their communities  ✔️ Their ability to rapidly scale and innovate  ✔️ Their deep understanding of their community’s needs beyond speed  ✔️ Their capacity to grow long-term value for the community  ✔️ Their exponentially higher customer satisfaction  Read the full article to explore how BEAD funding can help BSPs continue to build on a legacy of serving their communities. 🔗https://ow.ly/ztSu30sAQH0

Rural America is going digital, fueled by $42 billion in federal broadband investment through the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. But how will states choose to deploy that money over the next two years? It is imperative that state leaders go local with BEAD funds. Cooperatives, municipal utilities, and other local broadband service providers (BSPs) serve as trusted partners—providing excellent service while understanding the unique needs of their members.   Kerry Haughan, senior vice president of commercial strategy for Calix, shares five reasons why states should go local with these partners through BEAD funds:  ✔️ Their long history of serving their communities  ✔️ Their ability to rapidly scale and innovate  ✔️ Their deep understanding of their community’s needs beyond speed  ✔️ Their capacity to grow long-term value for the community  ✔️ Their exponentially higher customer satisfaction  Read the full article to explore how BEAD funding can help BSPs continue to build on a legacy of serving their communities. 🔗https://ow.ly/FSRU30sAEQ0

Amid increasing optimism among small business owners nationwide, GCMI is proud to stands out as more than just an entrepreneurship hub. GCMI is a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), a federal designation allowing us to play a critical role in helping Cincinnati’s small businesses thrive. We serve our community by offering accessible financing and hands-on support. Our focus is not just on business growth, but on building strong, resilient communities. Collectively, we are creating pathways for a more promising financial outlook for every entrepreneur in our area. #smallbusiness #smallbusinessowner #smallbusinessnews #optimisticoutlook #economicoutlook #economist #localeconcomy #cincinnati #cincinnatieconomy #cincysmallbusiness #gcmination

Governor Josh Shapiro Opens Application for Historically Disadvantaged Businesses to Access $10.5 Million in Eligible Funding.   Eligible small diverse businesses can apply for funding grants to assist with working capital, inventory, equipment, marketing, and costs to support ongoing operations. Governor Josh Shapiro is delivering on a major budget priority, opening the application window for small diverse businesses across the Commonwealth to apply for a total of $10.5 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. Grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 will be awarded to historically disadvantaged businesses that were in operation on or before March 17, 2020, and were impacted economically by COVID-19. All applications submitted between February 5 and February 23, 2024, will be considered for funding. “Since day one, I have advocated for long-overdue funding for women and minority-owned businesses across this Commonwealth, to support their growth and open new doors of opportunity. Today, we make good on that promise,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “I want every business owner to know that my Administration values what you bring to the table, and that we are committed to breaking down barriers to progress and helping you build generational wealth. In Pennsylvania, we are open for business – and we are working to build a Commonwealth where everyone can find and capitalize on real opportunities to grow and thrive.” For more information and to apply visit: https://lnkd.in/eJwHDmbA   #FundingOpportunity #GrantOpportunity

As an adviser to many family-owned businesses, particularly in the #Yorkshire region, I want to let you know about a new campaign that Family Business UK have recently launched – Back Family Businesses. Whilst it appears everything is still up for potential review by the new government, the chancellor made it clear on Monday that #InheritanceTax is firmly on her radar. There is much speculation about what this could mean, but serious talk has turned to reviewing the reliefs that are afforded to many family owned businesses. These reliefs provide a valuable route for succession and legacy planning as well as the ability to invest for the future, all of which are important for continued business success and ultimately for a thriving economy. FBUK are calling on #familybusiness owners, politicians, policymakers, and the public to support family businesses across the UK. The campaign is initially focusing is on Business Property Relief (BPR) and Gift Holdover Relief (GHR) – the single most important issues to the family businesses represented by FBUK. Their new report 'Planning For The Long Term' includes a detailed case for retaining BPR and GHR as lifeline policies which, outside of the family business sector are often unknown or misunderstood. If you are involved in a family business, I suggest you find out more about the campaign here: http://bit.ly/3Yf2cZn #successionplanning #businessowners