Latest news with #impactinvesting
Forbes
6 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Redefining Capital For Good: Katie Macc On What It Means To Lead In Impact
Katie Macc, CEO of the Sorenson Impact Institute, was honored by Utah Business as one of '30 Women ... More to Watch' in 2025. As CEO of Sorenson Impact Institute, Katie Macc draws on her experience in multiple finance sectors, including microfinance, fintech, and impact investing across the globe. These perspectives help shape how she and her colleagues at the Institute approach their multidisciplinary work in impact investing. 'The biggest difference impact investing has made, I believe, is in changing hearts and minds. Most of us in finance and business weren't taught that there is another way—a better way—to do business, to do good, and to build a world in which we all want to live. Impact investing has consistently demonstrated the ability to do all of those things,' says Macc, who was recently honored by Utah Business as one of 30 Women to Watch. At the Institute, Macc and her colleagues focus their work with partners around the world on moving capital toward solutions to some of our biggest challenges. She points to the Institute's work and connections with public and private organizations as key reasons for Utah's status as an innovator in the impact field. By collaborating with students, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and other organizations, the Institute contributes to the growth of the impact investing sector and its contributions to a better future. Macc sees promise to expand the impact investing field by deepening its role in public markets, creating new opportunities for financial performance and stakeholder impact. To help drive this growth, the Institute is currently working on a number of strategic projects, including a multi-year Nature-based Solutions (NbS) initiative. 'There's a real opportunity in investing in nature,' she says. 'The financing gap in that sector is massive, and we believe it's a sector ripe for innovative financing solutions.' In this Q&A, Macc discusses these initiatives and other opportunities she sees for the Sorenson Impact Institute and the impact investing sector as a whole. You've been honored by Utah Business as one of '30 Women to Watch' in 2025. What does this accomplishment mean to you? Receiving this honor is, in many ways, reflective of the key role that impact investing has had in the state of Utah. It's true, Utah is not necessarily at the top of everyone's list as a hub for impact investing—until you dig a little deeper. The state's economic success and business-friendly environment for entrepreneurs and companies of all sizes are relatively well-known. But the reality is the state has been at the forefront of impact investing in a number of ways—from public-private partnerships that were well ahead of the curve to new impact investing strategies for family offices and foundations to innovative approaches in philanthropy. None of this is to mention the huge innovations at the University of Utah, a place where aspirations for unsurpassed societal impact drive the entire campus. Our Institute began here more than 13 years ago and is now in a first-of-its-kind impact ecosystem that houses more than 750 students along with our headquarters. We were founded by Utah native and pioneer in impact, Jim Sorenson. Uniquely, and we think importantly, all of this is happening at a public university. Receiving this honor acknowledges the pivotal role that all of these institutions across public and private sectors have had in growing Utah's leadership in impact investing. It's also an opportunity to introduce impact investing to even more people in Utah. I suspect many of the people who read Utah Business or attend the awards luncheon will be introduced to impact investing for the first time. I'm excited to represent the industry and the Institute in that room. Where do you see the impact field making the biggest difference today? The growth of impact investing has been impressive since its inception in the early 2000s. Once a somewhat radical idea of leveraging capital for good, the field has now influenced the direction of capital, policy, and culture across all sectors worldwide. Currently, the field represents a market of more than $1 trillion. While that's a big number, the biggest difference impact investing has made, I believe, is in changing hearts and minds. Most of us in finance and business weren't taught that there is another way—a better way—to do business, to do good, and to build a world in which we all want to live. Impact investing has consistently demonstrated the ability to do all of those things. Moreover, impact investing catalyzes solutions to some of our most pressing challenges on a global scale. Those are big statements and are often received with even bigger skepticism. But where impact really stands out is in its accountability. We have the data because we measure and report the returns—both financial and social/environmental. There is still enormous work to be done, and we haven't reached the necessary scale to which we aspire, but the foundation and the measurable outcomes are there for all to see. We're growing, and I believe that growth is only going to escalate. What initiatives and research projects is the Institute working on right now that you expect will help build the market for impact? We are currently in the very early stages of several exciting new multi-year initiatives in spaces we find critical for exploration and direction. One that is particularly exciting for me is a large-scale initiative focused on Nature-based Solutions (NbS). Under this initiative, we are leveraging our long-standing expertise in impact finance with Janis Dubno and her team, along with the inclusion of world-renowned ecologist and National Geographic Explorer Dr. Nalini Nadkarni, who is now a Senior Fellow in Residence at the Institute. As part of our NbS initiative, we are working on a series of applied research projects and initiatives seeking to more fully harness the power of nature to address pressing environmental and societal challenges. While there are a few proven financial models for NbS, there are still large gaps to meet global targets, presenting a significant opportunity for investors to generate financial returns as well as measurable environmental and social impact. We're talking with potential funders and collaborators now on these projects. What do you see as the most significant opportunities right now for impact investing to grow? From how and when we talk about impact investing to where we send our capital, I see several strategies to scale the field: How can the impact investing ecosystem continue to build momentum amid shifting public policy and funding changes/challenges? While we aren't a policy shop at the Institute, we recognize the essential role that the public sector can play in our work and our mission. There are some headwinds in this moment for impact investing that I don't want to minimize, but I believe there's a huge opportunity for the field to grow. Impact investors and social entrepreneurs aren't simply do-gooders who act on a moral compulsion to do the right thing; we invest in, build, and amplify practical and scalable solutions to the world's greatest challenges by leveraging capital as a force to drive positive change. Doing that at scale requires partnerships at all levels and across sectors. Political conditions change—sometimes rapidly—not just here in the United States but across the world. We stay the course and identify areas where we can work together to achieve our mission. In other words, some doors may close while others open. Right now, there are numerous areas of overlap and bipartisan support in which we can and are working together toward solutions. One example is the ownership economy, which is creating the conditions by which more people in this country can generate wealth through areas like home ownership and employee ownership. The Sorenson Group, under Jim Sorenson's leadership, is heavily involved in this national effort, and we work in support of and in partnership with those goals. Where do you find new ideas or inspiration for your work? What have you learned recently that has stuck with you? I recently listened to the in-depth Acquired Podcast about the Rolex company, and everyone I've met with since is tired of hearing me talk about it. While it's true that I now want to purchase a Rolex watch, what has lingered in my mind since that podcast has been more about the structure of the company than the watches themselves. The legal and financial structures of the company allowed the executives to make decisions that I wish all company leadership could/would make. Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of Rolex, acquired that freedom for the company in 1960 when he gave the shares of the company to a private trust. For 65 years, the company has enjoyed the ability to make truly independent decisions, free from short-term shareholder interest, investor demands, or quarterly earnings calls. I know that not all companies can follow in Rolex's or Patagonia's footsteps directly, but the Rolex story reminded me how important it is for entrepreneurs to choose the right legal and financial structures to facilitate their objectives. Whether their goals are long-term sustainability, stable job creation, social impact, returns to the community, or innovation within the company, it's critical that founders make sure their legal structure and financing will permit them to make the decisions they need to make in order to achieve them. Connect with Katie Macc on LinkedIn.
Associated Press
6 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Impact Investing Solutions Announces the Legacy of Impact and Love Retreat to Discover Life's Purpose
05/27/2025, Zug, Switzerland // PRODIGY: Feature Story // This November, a rare and transformative event by Impact Investing Solutions (IIS) and BE SHIRO Foundation, is unfolding in the serene Swiss countryside, a private, weeklong ' Legacy of Impact and Love ' retreat designed specifically for seasoned investors ready to shift their capital and consciousness toward global impact. Limited to just 15 carefully selected participants, this immersive experience will take place at Kloster Fischingen, a historic monastery near the forest, from 22nd to 29th November 2025. It will offer the perfect backdrop for profound inner work and deeper personal realignment. Behind this initiative is a forward-thinking organization with a mission to accelerate the flow of capital into meaningful, world-changing causes. Drawing from ancient meditative practices, cutting-edge AI matchmaking, and years of experience in impact investing, the retreat will help participants align their resources with their deepest values, what the organizers call going beyond impact. Why this event? Because too many successful individuals, despite their financial achievements, still feel something is missing. 'Money doesn't make you whole,' says Sveta Banerjee, founder and CEO of IIS. 'You can have all the earthly possessions and still find yourself looking up at the stars, hoping for more. But when you look inward and realize what you truly want to bring to this world, that is what brings true fulfillment.' This retreat is for those who have built wealth and influence but are seeking a more authentic legacy. Attendees will work closely with a handpicked team of four facilitators, including Sveta, the co-founder Ben Banerjee, alongside Andreas Dudas and Antoinette Haering of BE SHIRO, a Swiss-based cluster dedicated to empowering individuals to turn their unique life purpose into impactful change. Together, they'll guide participants through soul-centered meditations, purpose discovery, and deep conversations about how to activate philanthropic or impact capital in alignment with their true selves. The retreat's exclusivity is deliberate. With only 15 spots available, the experience is highly personalized to ensure every participant has the space, time, and guidance to go inward and connect deeply with what truly matters. Using refined AI matchmaking systems and insights gathered from years of working at the intersection of wealth, purpose, and social change, the team behind this initiative believes now is the time. 'We're seeing more and more investors holding back capital, not because they don't want to make a difference, but because they're still trying to decide with their heads,' says Sveta. 'This retreat helps them decide with their hearts.' The idea behind this retreat is truly for participants to uncover their life's true mission and then channel their wealth, whether through investments or philanthropy, into causes that ignite that mission. That's how real change happens. That's how legacies are built. With a powerful team, ancient teaching, and an extraordinary setting, this retreat offers something truly unique: a bridge between wealth and purpose, between success and fulfillment. With the retreat taking place this November and demand already building, now is the time to apply. By securing their place, individuals can solidify their place in global impact. Media Contact: Name: Legacy of Impact and Love Retreat Team Email: [email protected] Source published by Submit Press Release >> Impact Investing Solutions Announces the Legacy of Impact and Love Retreat to Discover Life's Purpose
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
2025 Asia Grassroots Forum in Bali Draws Global Investor Interest in the Grassroots Economy
Robust attendance at the 2025 Asia Grassroots Forum in Bali on May 22, 2025 reflects growing global interest in impact investing in Asia, and highlights the potential of the grassroots economy. BALI, Indonesia, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2025 Asia Grassroots Forum hosted by Amartha in collaboration with Accion, Women's World Banking and Maj Invest concluded today in Bali. Themed "Scaling Impact, Pioneering an Entrepreneurial Society," the event brought together over 700 investors, policymakers, changemakers, and innovators from more than 15 countries to spotlight the potential of Asia's grassroots economy. "The grassroots economy holds immense untapped possibilities in ASEAN and the Global South," said Amartha Founder and CEO Andi Taufan Garuda Putra. "We know this from our experience at Amartha, empowering over 3.3 million rural borrowers in Indonesia over the past 15 years. Together with our partners and the delegates here today, it is inspiring to see that so many stakeholders, including global players, are increasingly aware and willing to take action." According to the 2024 Impact Investing in Asia Report, global investors are increasing their focus to Southeast Asia, with 49 percent planning to expand their allocations throughout 2025. The report also reported that 89 percent of Asia-focused impact investors surveyed reported that their financial returns were outperforming or performing in line with expectation.[1] Over a full day of dynamic discussions among thought leaders, policymakers, investors, startups, NGOs, innovators and academics, participants explored how to catalyze bottom-up growth, along with its opportunities and challenges. Speakers at the 2025 Asia Grassroots Investments included impact investing representatives from Accion, Women World's Banking, Maj Invest, BEENEXT, LeapFrog, Abler Nordic, UOB Venture Management and Teja Ventures, as well as global banks such as Standard Chartered and Deutsche Bank. Also in attendance were policymakers, venture capital firms, BNI Ventures, Mandiri Capital Indonesia, microfinance, fintechs, academics, changemakers and innovators, and more. Njord Andrewes, Managing Partner, Accion Digital Transformation, said, "Companies like Amartha are unlocking the potential of the grassroots economy in a sustainable way, showing that serving this segment can deliver social impact and financial returns. With small businesses vital for the continued growth of emerging markets, there is now global interest in the potential of the grassroots economy. We are partnering with Amartha to provide both strategic support and growth capital, as they connect businesses across Indonesia to responsible financial services for the first time using digital technologies." Within the ASEAN grassroots economy, MSMEs make up 97% of the private sector, contributing to 85% of the labor force, 45% of regional GDP, and 10–30% of exports.[2] However, many MSMEs In emerging economies and developing countries still face significant barriers, the more so for women. For example, women-owned businesses in these areas face an $1.9 trillion financing gap, highlighting the significant barriers women entrepreneurs face in accessing financing.[3] Sanjay Sehgal, Managing Director & CIO of Women's World Banking noted, "We believe gender-lens investment is essential to promoting inclusive growth. Partnering with organizations like Amartha, which shares our commitment to reaching women in underserved rural areas, allows us to design and scale solutions that are truly inclusive. By embedding gender-intentional strategies into financial services, we can close the gender gap and build more resilient, equitable economies for all". Addressing this gap, Amartha's success in using tech to serve rural female micro-entrepreneurs at scale has attracted the support of global institutional investors including IFC, Women's World Banking, Accion, Community Investment Management, and many more. "The aim of the 2025 Asia Grassroots Forum is to build interest and cross-sector partnership from investors and other stakeholders, including policymakers and innovators, to harness technology and capital towards inclusive growth for all," finished Taufan. [1] In Focus: Impact Investing in Asia 2024 [2] Investing in ASEAN: Investment Report [3] MSME Finance Gap Report About Amartha PT Amartha Mikro Fintek (Amartha) has a mission to improve the welfare of the grassroots segment, through digital financial services for the grassroots segment. Founded in 2010, Amartha is now growing to build a microfinance ecosystem through capital loan, risk segmentation and payment services. Amartha advances the bottom of the pyramid by increasing the competitiveness of MSMEs. Thus, we empower more women's MSMEs, create jobs and build more inclusive economic growth. As of September 30, 2024, Amartha, which is licensed and supervised by the Financial Services Authority (OJK), has disbursed working capital loans of more than 35 trillion rupiah to 3.3 million MSMEs, of which more than 90 percent are led by women, spread across more than 50,000 villages throughout Indonesia. About The 2025 Asia Grassroots Forum The 2025 Asia Grassroots Forum, hosted by Amartha, is a critical meeting place for entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and innovators across Asia to address the most pressing challenges in emerging markets. The forum will be held on 21 - 23 May 2025 at the Grand Hyatt Nusa Dua Bali, with the aim of accommodating concrete ideas from stakeholders to generate innovations that drive the progress of the grassroots economy in Asia. Visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Amartha Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Forbes
19-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Scaling Opportunity In Finance: Inclusive Pathways To Impact Investing
Through a new partnership with World Education Services, the Sorenson Impact Institute aims to expand the impact investing pipeline by increasing access to an apprenticeship program that connects students with real-world venture capital experience. Sorenson Impact Institute's student-driven apprenticeship provides hands-on training in venture ... More capital and impact investing. As the impact investing sector continues to grow, so does the opportunity to expand access to careers in the field. The next generation of impact leaders, shaped by their education and lived experience, will heavily influence where capital flows. To nurture a broader and more expansive talent pipeline for the impact investing sector, the Sorenson Impact Institute is partnering with World Education Services (WES) to expand access to its Impact Investing Apprenticeship Program. The partnership will support the Institute's Unlocking Impact Initiative — a hands-on, student-driven apprenticeship that provides training in venture capital and impact investing to students from all backgrounds. With support from WES — a nonprofit social enterprise that supports the educational, economic, and social inclusion of immigrants, refugees, and international students in the U.S. and Canada — six students from Miami Dade College and Bowie State University joined the 15 student interns from the University of Utah in the 2024-2025 apprenticeship program. Since 2013, more than 500 student interns have helped to deploy upwards of $62 million into early-stage companies and funds in health equity, climate resilience, workforce development, and financial inclusion. Student interns also have networking opportunities as they make professional and personal connections through the program. Nomzana Augustin, Associate Director of Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives at the WES Mariam Assefa Fund, said the organization's new partnership with the Institute reflects their shared commitment to impact investing as a tool to ensure capital reaches underfunded communities. 'Both WES and Sorensen seek to see new, diverse leaders in finance and investing, which can help shift how capital flows,' she said. 'Sorensen's program has proven impact in creating opportunities for investment leaders, better reflecting the talent that exists. WES is funding the expansion of this program to reach more students who might otherwise be excluded from this kind of opportunity.' In her role at WES, Augustin drives the fund's external partnerships, strategy, and initiatives with funders and other ecosystem partners to advance economic mobility for all. Shannon Meyer, Operations & Student Engagement Associate at the Institute, said WES is an exceptional partner that helps with guidance on updates, recruiting, and other elements of the apprenticeship program. 'They have valuable insights on how to make the recruiting process more accessible to historically underrepresented students so that talented students from all backgrounds can take part in our program.' In this Q&A, Augustin and Meyer discuss the apprenticeship program, its place in their organizational strategies, and their hopes for its influence on the impact investing sector. Nomzana Augustin: As a nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to advancing economic opportunity for all, WES recognizes the importance of empowering new leaders and creating career pathways for individuals with lived experience. Through this partnership, we're excited to see Sorensen continue to nurture young talent from underrepresented backgrounds, opening doors to careers in impact investing and venture capital. By supporting future investing leaders, we can help create a more representative impact investing ecosystem and, in turn, more inclusive economies. Developing representative leadership in finance will help bring impact investing closer to overlooked communities. Shannon Meyer: WES's mission to create pathways to economic opportunity and mobility for underserved communities complements one of the main objectives of our student program: to equip students with the skills and experience necessary to secure competitive jobs or internships following the program. The program immerses students in experiential learning opportunities, equipping them with the tools and experience needed to be successful in the workforce. Additionally, it provides opportunities for each student to network and build social capital with staff, founders, and fellow students across the country. These types of opportunities help build a foundational framework that creates a pipeline of future investment professionals that better reflects the talent that exists. SM: Our partnership with WES has allowed us to make the impact investing student program a paid internship for the first time. This helps us break down one of the barriers for students who might otherwise be unable to accept an opportunity like this due to needing to hold a paying job to support themselves or their families. It also ensures that students can take advantage of the learning opportunities provided by this program regardless of their economic status. This partnership has also enabled us to engage the student cohort in more travel opportunities, like attending conferences or pitch events. NA: The apprenticeship program goes beyond the impact investing field, offering a unique career launchpad. Importantly, the paid program enables students to build social capital for long-term career guidance and mentorship from peers and alumni — for example, at events like SOCAP and with the Morgan Stanley Inclusive Ventures Lab. Students who participate in the program gain new skills that offer opportunities to work in finance, consulting, investment banking, and social impact. Compensation for many of these jobs is generous and can place students well above the national average starting salary. This kind of experience is especially beneficial to students from underrepresented backgrounds who can transform their lives and communities with the resources and opportunities provided through the program. SM: This partnership helps advance our shared workforce development goals by providing students with experiential learning opportunities from day one. Students are tasked with projects and conducting due diligence that ultimately leads to the deal team choosing whether to invest in an early-stage company or not. Allowing students to have hands-on experience with real investment decisions — and real money — before they even graduate college is a massive opportunity, especially for those interested in pursuing careers in impact investing or venture capital. As we look into the future, we're excited about the opportunity to build out our employer network and career pathing for future students with support from WES. This will help drive forward a strong, talented pipeline of future leaders in the industry. NA: Students from various backgrounds build skills, social capital, and their career pathways through this program, which is unique in the impact investing field. We aspire to see more institutions and employers who are open to hiring professionals from underrepresented backgrounds. At WES, we believe that unlocking new talent is not a pipeline problem, but that there needs to be interest and commitment to an inclusive workforce, shifting employer practices. Hopefully, this program can inspire others to open doors to career opportunities for emerging leaders. NA: When WES launched the WES Mariam Assefa Fund in 2019, it was with WES's commitment to advancing participatory grantmaking and investing. This means that decision-making power for funding is given to the communities who know best about the issues affecting them. For example, in 2022, we partnered with Common Future to launch a participatory investing action lab with 16 leaders from eight institutions. During a yearlong initiative, we tested participatory strategies through a collaborative fund and compiled our learnings into a toolkit for other institutions looking to do this work. Investment decisions are rarely made by the communities the capital aims to serve, and participatory investing seeks to change this, leading to more informed decisions. Through our partnership with Sorensen, we hope to share ideas on how to ensure that students are involved in the design of the program as well as investment decisions. The students can bring fresh perspectives and new knowledge on the solutions that could be impactful for communities. For example, if a Bowie State student from a low-income household joins the program, they can share their observations on housing and financial inclusion, informing the decision-making process of an investment in their community or a community similar to theirs, based on their lived experience. SM: WES's approach ensures that programs are designed to meet the actual needs of the communities they serve. Within our program, students are actively involved in program design, bringing fresh perspectives and constructive feedback to me each semester. Our staff team is constantly learning from each other and, more importantly, from our students. We leverage the insights and experiences of our students to ensure that we're continuously adapting our program to be the best it can be for the next generation. SM: Partnerships like this are especially important because they bring together diverse expertise and knowledge to help address some of the challenges we see in today's world. The impact investing ecosystem is constantly evolving, and partnerships like this can drive innovation to help build a more comprehensive and resilient economy for generations to come. NA: It's important that our economies and communities better reflect the country we live in. The impact investing ecosystem will benefit from including leaders of different backgrounds who can help determine where funds go, ensuring that historically neglected communities are no longer overlooked. WES looks forward to telling the stories of the student participants and how the program impacts their careers, lives, and communities. We encourage interested students to apply to the apprenticeship program, and for people to spread the word to promising candidates. Further, we hope this initiative can inspire similar programs and opportunities for more underrepresented talent to gain experience and enter careers in impact investing and venture capital.
Forbes
07-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Why Native Communities Are The Future Of Impact Investing
In the search for the next frontier of innovation and opportunity, impact investors are increasingly looking toward Indian Country — a dynamic and under-invested market poised for transformative growth. From clean energy and regenerative agriculture to digital infrastructure and housing, Native communities are leading the way with bold, visionary projects that not only serve their people but offer scalable solutions for a changing world. At Oweesta Corporation, we've seen firsthand how Native CDFIs (Community Development Financial Institutions) are unlocking potential in tribal communities by supporting entrepreneurs, building housing, and advancing sustainable infrastructure. These are not charity-driven efforts; they are strategic investments delivering measurable returns — both financially and socially. Chrystel Cornelius speaking during 2023 Capital Access Convening in Juneau, AK. Oweesta Indian Country: A Growing Market of Opportunity Tribal nations are sovereign governments with growing economic engines. Today, Indian Country spans 574 federally recognized tribes across 35 states, generating over $130 billion in annual economic activity. And that figure doesn't even capture the full landscape of Indigenous economies — which includes state-recognized tribes, Native Hawaiian communities, and many others exercising self-determination and working toward federal acknowledgment. Yet, despite this strength, Native communities remain among the most undercapitalized populations in the U.S. Less than 0.4% of philanthropic funding and an even smaller fraction of investment dollars reach Native-led initiatives. That dynamic is beginning to shift. New investment models — rooted in Native leadership, sovereignty, and community-driven priorities — are reshaping what it means to invest in Indigenous economies. Through partnerships with values-aligned investors like Tamalpais Trust and philanthropic funders like the Northwest Area Foundation, Native communities are building energy sovereignty, supporting Native farmers and ranchers, expanding broadband access, and creating culturally grounded financial education programs. As Nikki Foster from the Northwest Area Foundation notes: 'Native CDFIs have a proven and successful model for building opportunity in Indian Country. Because they understand the unique assets and the traditional values of Native communities, they can provide pathways for entrepreneurs in ways that grow businesses and employment, even in places without a main street or a bank. And, they have the numbers to back this up. This approach builds healthy tribal and regional economies for the benefit of all.' 'Indian Country is rich with innovation, resilience, and opportunity. For too long, we've lacked access to capital — but that's changing,' says Chrystel Cornelius, President and CEO of Oweesta Corporation. Indigenous Innovation for a Sustainable Future The economic growth emerging from Indian Country is deeply tied to cultural preservation and environmental stewardship. Native entrepreneurs are leading solar and wind projects that restore ancestral lands, launching technology ventures that connect rural communities, and expanding food systems that prioritize health and sustainability. In fact, many of the industries that define the future — clean energy, regenerative agriculture, and climate resilience—are rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems. That makes Indian Country not just a market to watch, but a wellspring of leadership and innovation the world urgently needs. 'When you invest in Native communities, you're investing in time-tested, sustainable approaches that have served our people — and this planet — for generations,' adds Cornelius. A Better Return: Long-Term Prosperity for All Investing in Native communities creates ripple effects far beyond tribal lands. According to Oweesta's recent impact analysis, every dollar invested in Native CDFIs generates over $2.38 million in local economic impact — fueling job creation, supporting small businesses, increasing homeownership, and building generational wealth. In addition to social outcomes, investments in Native financial institutions show strong financial performance: low default rates, high portfolio recovery rates, and competitive internal rates of return (IRR) for patient capital vehicles. 'Native CDFIs are more than lenders — we are weavers of prosperity, resilience, and self-determination,' says Cornelius. Chyrstel Cornelius, CEO of Oweesta and Ronald Milsap, Director, U.S. Zero Barriers to Business with BMO during the awards ceremony at Oweesta's 2024 Capital Access Convening in Santa Ana Pueblo, NM. BMO was a sponsor for Oweesta's Capital Access Convening. Sam Levitan Photography From Philanthropy to Partnership Funders and investors are moving away from traditional charity models toward partnership-based approaches — ones that trust Native organizations to lead. This shift includes providing unrestricted funding, investments paired with equity, patient capital, and long-term commitments grounded in relationship, accountability, and respect for sovereignty. At Oweesta, we work alongside partners who understand that economic justice for Native people is not a peripheral issue — it's central to building a stronger, more inclusive economy. We have seen firsthand the transformational power of capital aligned with culture, vision, and community priorities. As Shannon Ward, Chief Lending Officer at Oweesta, affirms, 'At Oweesta, we see firsthand how investments in Native CDFIs transform lives, create sustainable growth, and build generational wealth. We are not just funding projects, we are empowering communities to thrive and lead the way toward a more inclusive and sustainable future.' The Time is Now Indian Country is no longer a hidden market — it's a hot market. With the right investments, tribal nations are poised to lead in shaping a just, sustainable future for all. For investors seeking real impact, resilience, and meaningful growth, the opportunity is clear: Partner with Native communities. Fund Native-led solutions. Build the future we all deserve. This is a content marketing post from a Forbes EQ participant. Forbes brand contributors' opinions are their own.
