Communities across British Columbia require new ways to access capital for sustainable business development, social enterprise, environmental sustainability and local food systems. Rural, northern, indigenous and urban communities all face challenges to their economic, social and environmental futures. As well, studies by various organizations in BC have consistently documented that entrepreneurs and businesses identify a lack of business investment capital as a major barrier to business development and expansion.
One opportunity to bridge this gap is through community impact investing, which offers local residents and institutions the means to place some their money in local community impact investment funds.
This Policy Brief was sent to BC Government Ministers on August 1 2017 including: Minister James (Finance), Minister Donaldson (Rural Development), Minister Simpson (Social Development and Poverty Reduction), Minister Ralston (Jobs). Its recommendations have the support of the BC Coop Association, the Union of BC Municipalities, the BC Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian CED Network. Please express your support for the proposals.
