Entries by Sydney Hulebak

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 2024 Georgia Shared Ownership Convening

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…

Stanford Social Innovation Review: “Impact Investing Should Be Hard”

Impact investing is often perceived as more burdensome than traditional investing due to the added complexity of addressing social and environmental issues alongside financial returns. This perception is supported by a 2009 Monitor Institute white paper and recent observations by London School of Economics academics, who highlight the challenges and perceived risks associated with impact […]

Micro Loan Program Expansion Will Support Latina Entrepreneurs

The Latin American Association (LAA) and the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia have partnered to support Latina entrepreneurs through a $100,000 investment from the Foundation’s Impact Investment Fund. This funding will enhance LAA’s Avanzando Juntas initiative, providing loans of up to $10,000 to help Latinas establish women-owned businesses. DePriest Waddy, CEO of the Community Foundation, […]

A Night of Catalytic Connections: GSIC and GoATL Fund Host Impact Investing Wine Tasting Event

The Georgia Social Impact Collaborative (GSIC) partnered with the GoATL Fund to host a Catalytic Capital Wine Night sponsored by BNY Mellon at El Vinedo Local, a minority-owned restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia. The event brought together impact investors, philanthropic foundations, and family offices to celebrate the growth of the social impact investing ecosystem in Georgia […]