This slideshow of examples of social finance stemmed from the Social Business sponsorship of MaRS Discovery District and SocialFinance.ca's annual Social Finance Forum. We first attended in 2011, which featured speakers including Antony Bugg-Levine, CEO of the Nonprofit Finance Fund (NFF) and author of Impact Investing: Transforming How We Make Money While Making a Difference. The 2012 Social Finance Forum, which took place in Toronto in November was covered on the SocialBusiness.org blog, Social Innovation Meets Business Revolution, by our community manager, Rebecca Byers. She outlines some of the workshops she attended, more specifically, the ‘Social return on investment 101' one, which was put on by SiMPACT Strategy Group.
Here, are some of the pitches from the Good Deals UK section at the 2011 conference as well as other examples of social finance and investment.
15 Examples of Social Finance
15
Experience-Creating Cleaners
The Eco Laundry Room Has a Cafe, Kid's Play Area and Free WiFi
14
Social Investment Infographics
ClearlySo Marks the Start of the Future for Children Bond
13
Stuff-Sharing Social Enterprises
Unstash Fosters Collaborative Consumption for Sustainability
12
Social Profit Societies
Allia Works with Investments in the United Kingdom - Allia
11
Creating Community Bonds
CSI's Tonya Surman Addresses the 2011 Social Finance Forum
10
Disruptive Entrepreneur Incubators
The Unreasonable Institute Spurs Social Enterprise Ventures
9
Passionate Internet Communities
Phinklife is a Social Platform and Non-Profit Organization
8
Social Finance Forums
Mobilize Capital and Inspire New Ideas at 'Investing in Good Deals'
7
Digital Divide Connectors
Talk2One is a Social Enterprise Connecting People to Communication
6
CSR Influencers
'One Love Network' Empowers Consumers to Impact Social Good Budgets
5
Ambitious Altruistic Energy Ventures
Barefoot Power Provides Affordable Renewable Light Sources
4
Maintenance Services Co-ops
Self-Reliance Solutions Creates Employment Opportunities in Toronto
3
Social Investment Bank
First Charity Oriented Bank
2
Flying Pig Pitches
Good Deals UK Brings Unconventional Voting to the 2011 Social Finance Forum
1
Social Enterprise Magazines
Beyond Profit Provides Content to Spark Positive Change
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Disruptive AI-Finance Chatbots
Origin Financial Wins Big with AI Chatbot for Everyday Finance
Purposeful Consumer-Focused Campaigns
IKEA's Sleepfluencers Campaign is a Clever Way to Give Back
Emerging Technology Publications
New Society Has Launched Its Inaugural Book About Technology
Eco Storytelling Workwear Campaigns
Patagonia's We Can Get There From Here Tells is Inspiring
DIY Fandom Initiatives
Scotiabank's Make it Merch Launch Promotes Inclusivity & Sustainability
Digital Sustainable Food Solutions
Special Projects Debuts Eco Lenses to Help with Decision-Making
Box-Office-Themed Travel Pop-Ups
Intrepid x TIFF Host an Experiential Travel Activation
AI-Fueled Finance Apps
The 'Finn' App Can Provide Accurate Responses to Complex Queries
Inclusive Social Support Programmes
MCR Social is Supporting Underrepresented Neurodiverse Youth
Social Commerce Platforms
21 Buttons is a Social Fashion Shopping Network
Finance eSports Partnerships
GIANTX Partnered with HSBC to Educate Youth on Finances
Blockchain-Integrated Online Banking
Kauri Finance 3.0 Represents an Evolution in Online Banking
Social Commerce Apps
GIST is an App-Based Social Platform for Sharing Purchases with Friends
Clothing Buy-Back Programs
Eileen Fisher Revolutionizes Clothing Recycling with Renew Program
AI Promo Code Platforms
SimplyCodes Combines AI and Crowdsourcing to Test Discount Codes
Mindful Eco-Friendly Banks
Climate First Bank is Ready to Expand Nationwide
Innovative Blockchain Technology Seminars
The Finsai Group is Organizing a Major Seminar in Milan
Esports CSR Initiatives
The Global Esports Federation Launched a Global Social Impact Initiative
Financial Coloring Books
Chime Boasts Activities for Financial Progress Month
Global Digital Marketplaces
Renaissance Hotels' R FINDS Shares Goods from Local Artisans
Micro-Influencer Marketing Services
SCREENSHOT Micro Boost Refines the Brand-Creator Experience
AI Startup Idea Generators
IdeaPicker Scours Reddit to Discover Your Next Big Idea
Avant-Garde Coffee Table Books
New Society Hosts 'Decentralization, Please Save Culture' Event
Diverse Community Creator Programs
The Champion Creators Program Harnesses Diverse Expression
In-Store Audience Engagement Solutions
Social Shelf® Has a Novel Approach to Customer Engagement
Integrated Influencer Marketing Platforms
SocialTalk Helps Users Discover, Track, and Connect
Investment Intelligence Platforms
TIFIN Shares Data Analysis for Better Investing Decisions
Financial Accessibility-Enhancing Cards
iCapital Ventures Launches the Liorcard Titanium
Motivational Breakfast Ccampaigns
Quaker Canada Introduces '100 Reasons to Rise'
AI-Powered Wealth Management Platforms
Era's AI Wealth Platform Secures $3.1M Seed Funding
Supportive Entrepreneur Communities
Ooutliers Shares Insights From Successful Startups
Influencer-Focused Social Platforms
Later Launches an AI-Powered Social Listening Tool
AI-Powered Fundraising Platforms
Socap.ai Simplifies Startup Fundraising and Expands Networks
Social-First Car Campaigns
Škoda's Reddit Car Share Amplified the Voices of Passionate Fans
AI Personal Finance Tools
WeFIRE Uses AI To Provide Tailored Guidance Through Complex Finances
Social Marketplace Updates
Instagram Launches a Marketplace to Better Connect Brands and Creators
Gen Z Anti-Loneliness Funds
Hinge Combats Loneliness for Gen Z - $1M Fund
Pioneering Secondhand Search Engines
Beni Dominates Resale Marketplace with Innovative App
Educational Affordable Housing Initiatives
Habitat for Humanity Guelph Wellington is Uniting Youth
Influencer Christmas Campaigns
An Influencer Couple from Wigan Launched the Giftmas Tree Project
Sustainable Bikini Fashion Shows
Space Swap Promotes Eco-conscious Fashion with Its Fashion Show
Beauty Innovation Funds
L’Oréal's Inclusive Beauty Fund Recipients Were Announced
AI Green Financing Platforms
Singapore's AI Initiative for Sustainable Finance in Real Estate
Loneliness-Combating Social Campaigns
Hinge Launches the New One More Hour Campaign and Fund
Wellness Lifestyle Clubs
The Health Cafe Introduces Social Wellness Programming in Toronto
Environmental Sustainability Business Initiatives
Butterfly Pavilion Organized a Special Coalition
Engaging Spending Insights
Parcely Finance is Like 'Spotify Wrapped' for Spending Habits
Simplified Investment Platforms
R'ket Helps Younger Generations Make Investment Decisions
Inequalities-Focused Exhibition Forums
Triennale Milano Marks Its 24th International Exhibition
Social Justice Desert Campaigns
Ben & Jerry's 'Make Some Motherchunkin' Change' Campaign Debuted
Transformer Robots-Powered STEAM Education
Wefaa Robotics Recently Secured Seed Funding
Outdoor Toronto Film Festivals
The Lavazza IncluCity Film Festival is Back from June to July
Connective Supplier Initiatives
Hilton Supply Management Boasts Fair Procurement Practices
AI-Driven Financial Education Games
Money Smarts Unveils AI Financial Game on Indiegogo
Skincare Investment Campaigns
Kiehl's Skin-Vestment Pairs Skincare Solutions and Financial Jargon
Money Management Platforms
Wealth Calculator Lets You Visualize Your Investment Journey
Small Business Investment Initiatives
'aeXea Capital' is Investing in Baby Boomer-Founded Brands
Localized Enterprise Programs
Unilever Introduced a Suppliers’ Recruitment Drive in Thailand
Marketing Social Advocacy Tools
Nut Tree Helps Smaller Brands Boost Their Presence
Climate-Conscious Investing Platforms
Climatize Helps Consumers Invest in Green Initiatives
Forest-Protecting Fashion Brand Initiatives
Canopy Leads an Initiative To Save the Forests
Youth-Focused Financial Literacy Guides
Lakefront Finance Targets Gen Alpha, Gen Z & Millennials
Educational Agriculture Platforms
The Accountability Framework Initiative Emphasizes Ethics
Farming Investment Funds
Lotus Foods Secured Substantial Funding from Grounded Capital
Kindness-Promoting Local Business Markets
KIND Snacks hosts the KINDness Market in Toronto
Office-Transformed Co-Living Spaces
HUB & Bridges Fund Management Present its Cornerstone Project
Supportive Female Entrepreneur Scholarships
Swerve Boasts the Swerve(HER) Elevation Scholarship
Chance to win £10,000
Meet the Cornish upcycler inspiring people
Sustainable Finance Accelerators
Commerzbank Taps Tenity for a New Sustainable Finance Accelerator
Youth Esports Safety Initiatives
British Esports Partnered with the NSPCC on a Series of Events
Youth Education Partnerships
FP Markets and Cricket Brasil Debuted a Youth Development Initiative
Gamified Sustainability Platforms
The Carbon Games is an App that Makes Sustainability Competitive
Athlete-Inspired AI Brand Campaigns
AngelAi Taps a Groups of Athletes to Promote Its Ethos
Gen Z Whitepapers
Wondershare Filmora Has Published Its First Whitepaper Titled 'Gen Z in Action'
Finance-Sport Partnership Sweepstakes
Nerdwallet is Offering Prizes with Philadelphia Union
Anniversary-Celebrating Nonprofit Partnerships
LILYSILK Engages in Philanthropic Partnerships
Park-Inspired Outdoor Fashion Capsules
Parks Project Sets out to Preserve National Parks
Inspirational Learning Management Tools
'Get Inspired' Offers Digestible Snippets of Content
Marketing Mentorship Platforms
Sprout Social Launches as a New Business Mentorship Network
Entrepreneurial Mentorship platforms
GrowthMentor Connects Individuals for 1:1 Support
Prolonged Activism Campaigns
Oxfam's Stay In The Fight Encourages Lasting Social Influences
Diversifying University Supplier Initiatives
The Supplier Diversity Fair Aims to Support Locals
Intelligent Loan Platforms
Levr.ai Helps Small Businesses Access Better Funding Options
Couple Investment Platforms
Plenty is a Tool Revolutionizing Investment for Modern Couples
Niche Community Builders
Socially is the Community Builder Platform for Niche Creators Everywhere
SaaS Influencer Marketing Tools
Beeing Social Launches 'Buzz Bee Buzz' for Influencer Marketing
Financial Security Research Partnerships
The NIA Partnered with Sun Life on a New Initiative
Explorative Entrepreneur Ideas
Hustle Momumtum Invites You to Discover and Launch Side Hustles
Billboard-Transformed Tent Shelters
Wunderman Thompson Morocco Creates the Life-Saving Outdoors
Earnings-Based Relationship Calculator
Fair Share Calculator Splits Finances Based on Income
Supportive Entrepreneurial Communities
The Zenpreneur Community Provides Resources and Support
Disaster Relief-Supporting Pr Initiatives
Publicity for Good Supports Hurricane Helene Relief
Urban Green Space Overhauls
Four of London's green spaces will receive a makeover
Niche Interest Social Networks
Spiral Social Was Inspired by Wikipedia Topics
Cultural Social Media Documentaries
Hulu Unveils the Black Lives Matter: A People's History Doc
Inclusive Women's Health Forums
The Online Health Community Offers Topic-Specific Connection
Integrated Business Banking Tools
PennyFlo Streamlines Financial Management for Businesses
Network-Connecting AI Solutions
Village AI Connect with Your Network to Close Deals
Social Isolation-Combating Platforms
TimeBank by Healthfirst Foundation Has Debuted a New Platform
Connective Non-Profit Funding
Wingtap Connects Users with Charities in Need of Fund
Sustainability-Focused Building Renovations
Climate Group Launches the Renovation Revolution
Social Proof Enhancement Tools
Proofify Boosts Businesses with Compelling Content and Reviews
Reward-Based Empowerment Platforms
Learn It Live Launches the Learn, Earn, and Win Program
Hotel-Led Vintage Markets
The MOB Hôtel Hosted a Vintage Market, an Eco Conference and Workshops
Inventive Charity Initiatives
Spark Financial's Annual Charity Initiative is for Autism Awareness
Pre-Loved Clothing Markets
Charity Super.Mkt Will Take Over Fenwick's on Bond Street
Emerging London Designer Exhibitions
POOR Collective Showcases the Powershift Exhibition in London
Cocktail-Inspired Togetherness Activations
Smirnoff's Global Connectivity Initiative Launched
Digital Community-Branded Product Lines
The Girl Math Gang Debuts New Product Offerings
Unified Financial Management Platforms
'Fina Money' Tracks Personal and Professional Finances
Award-Winning Fundraising Platforms
Pledge is Utilized by Companies, Nonprofits, and Individuals
Enhanced Australian Lendtech Firms
Grapple Invested into its Financier Platforms with AI Tools
Pre-Launch B2B Startup Apps
Faindrr Focuses on Growth and Connections Between new Startup Founders
Aggregated Social Insights
IndiePulse Uses Forum and Thread Comments to Find Your Next Projects
Self-Service Event Promotions
Industry Dive Adds Self-Service Offerings to Include Event Promotion
Asian Designer Furniture Exhibitions
This Year's Emerge Exhibition Marks the Third Annual Showcase
AI-Generated Social Ad Copy
the M1-Project Helps Business Owners Convert Using Social Media
Personal Financial Assistants
Timmy Offers Tailored Suggestions to Improve Spending Habits
Sustainable Water Equity Funds
Candriam Unveils a New Water Conservation Fund for Businesses
Empowering Trader-Focused Campaigns
Vantage Markets Debuts New Phase of Reborn a Trader
Community Borrowing Apps
Borrow Encourages Neighbours to Interact and Share
Membership-Based Community Engagement
The Lamp App Uses Technology to Promote Community Giving
Shared Kitchen Initatives
Metro & Food Banks of Quebec Address Food Insecurity
Connective Economic Travel
Swapper Helps Business Travelers Use Hotel Budgets to Stay with Friends
Entrepreneurial Journey Insights
Founder Folks Teaches You How Founders Launched Their Business
Mental Health Community Engagement
OOt Social Health Recently Launched Its Application
Friendship-Focused Finance Agreements
'Friends Over Money' Let's You Make Agreements with Friends
Youth-Oriented Arts Camps
QNB is Set to Unveil an Eco-Friendly Arts Camp for Kids 4-14
Charitable Esports Projects
Epic Foundation Launches the Esports for Good Initiative
Entrepreneurial Community Building
VenturePals Steps in to Help Solo Entrepreneurs Find Community
Student Athlete-Focused Financial Education
Merrill Wealth Management Partners with IMG Academy
Sustainability-Focused Land Awards
The 2024 Land Awards Recognized Five Projects & Two Individuals
Entrepreneur-Specific Global Hubs
Endeavor Has Launched a New Global Hub in London
Local Economic Growth Initiatives
Hershey's is Supporting Village Savings and Loan Associations
Gamified Inspiration Networks
Dailycrowds Gamifies Social Interaction for Motivation and Insights
Income-Estimating Finance Tools
Rapidio Introduces a New Income Assessment Tool for Underwriters
Youth-Focused Non-Profit Programs
In Tandem's Youth Voice Fellowship Offers Paid Opportunities
Niche Interest Ads
Interest Navigator Uncovers Interests That are Hidden from Most Advertisers
Weekly Finance Newsletters
Deelscoop Keeps Users Informed from Seed to Series D and Beyond
Growth-Based Marketing Platforms
Crowdtiv Connects Mentors and Mentees to Grow Businesses