Entries by Sydney England

There is Power in Collective Action at Home: Reflections from ImpactPHL’s Total Impact Summit

Earlier this month, ImpactPHL hosted the sixth iteration of Total Impact Summit, a multi-day convening bringing together investors, entrepreneurs, and ecosystem leaders committed to building a more just and equitable economy in Philadelphia and beyond. Georgia’s impact investing ecosystem was represented at TIS25, and we’ve invited three thought leaders – Anna Cable, Kelsey Russell, and Khaliff Davis – to share their key takeaways and experiences. Their perspectives offer a window into the evolving landscape of impact investing…

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Field Insights: Fiduciary Duty, Good Governance, & Impact Investing

It’s a common misconception: the belief that being a responsible trustee means walling-off mission from investment considerations. Many board members question, “Can we really pursue impact without compromising our financial obligations?” The truth is, by unpacking and rethinking what fiduciary duty really means—alongside reworking governance systems—we can discover that the pursuit of both financial returns and mission alignment isn’t just possible; it’s a win-win. Let’s dive in and explore how…

Understanding the Impacts of Federal Policy & Budget Shifts on Georgia

Shifting federal policies and budget priorities could have a profound impact on Georgia’s economy, financial security, and access to essential services. Dramatic reductions to key federal programs and departmental staff reductions targeting employment, social services, and small business funding are likely to negatively impact Georgia as a whole as well as areas of the state already facing economic hardship…

How the “Sunflower State” Raised the Bar for Statewide Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Development

On February 5, 2025, TruFund Financial Services held its Annual Ecosystem Breakfast – bringing together more than 30 key stakeholders from Atlanta’s entrepreneurial and small business ecosystem. A diverse mix of participants – representing traditional banks, CDFIs, quasi-government agencies, business support organizations, and private sector investors – contributed to a lively, generative discussion on the challenges and opportunities…

Field Insights: “CDFI Deserts” and the State of CDFIs in Georgia

New data from CDFI Friendly America highlights a critical challenge facing Georgia: it remains one of just nine U.S. states labeled a “CDFI Desert,” reflecting a severe shortage of community development financial institution (CDFI) investment. While significant progress has been made, large portions of Georgia – especially areas beyond Atlanta – continue to be underserved, limiting opportunities for economic growth and financial…

The Opportunity to Invest (for Impact) in Shared Ownership Across Georgia

The Georgia Shared Ownership Convening, co-hosted by the Rutgers Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing, Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative, Goizueta’s Business & Society Institute, and Georgia Social Innovation Collaborative, brought together 50+ stakeholders to discuss the future of shared ownership models in our state. From ESOPs to cooperatives, these models are vital tools for promoting economic resilience and racial equity…