Laying the Groundwork for a National Impact Investing Marketplace

The practice of impact investing is rapidly gaining momentum, but the level of activity among individual and institutional investors, including philanthropists and foundations, has barely penetrated projections of market potential. The marketplace that should connect impact investors with investees or social ventures does not function effectively. Developing cost-effective ways to engage new investors and break down barriers to investment is an essential part of growing the industry. Developing cost-effective ways to “prime the pump” for social ventures to become investor-ready — through a capacity-building process that includes outreach, education, and technical assistance — is an essential part of growing the industry. The Impact Finance Center partnered with foundations and other investors in Colorado to create “CO Impact Days and Initiative” to demonstrate how to address this need for a more efficient and effective marketplace. CO Impact Days and Initiative was designed to expand regionally and be replicated