Aligning for Impact: Building Long-Term Investment Strategies for the Small Business Ecosystem
The Aligning for Impact Learning Series, part of
the Small Business Funder Learning Collaborative at Philanthropy Massachusetts,
creates space for funders across the Commonwealth to connect, exchange ideas,
and explore the trends shaping the small business ecosystem.
While many conversations focus on short-term programs or
grants, strong small business ecosystems are built through long-term
investment, trusted intermediaries, and coordinated regional strategies.
This session will explore how philanthropic capital can
support that kind of ecosystem over time. Speakers will share how their
organizations have combined grantmaking, capacity-building, loan funds,
impact investing, and partnerships with CDFIs to expand access to
capital and strengthen small business support systems.
Drawing on real examples—from building regional coalitions
and emergency loan funds to supporting the growth of Nectar Community
Investments as a regional CDFI—the conversation will highlight how funders can
move from one-time support to long-term ecosystem investment.
Participants will hear how community foundations are
exploring tools such as loan loss reserves, donor-advised funds, and local
impact investment pools to connect philanthropic capital to small businesses
and community development. Whether you are part of a private,
corporate, or community foundation, the insights shared will be relevant to
your work.
The session connects to Philanthropy Massachusetts’
Massachusetts new strategic focus on economic competitiveness, exploring
how strategic philanthropic investment in small businesses can strengthen local
economies across the state.
Moderator
Mary Skelton Roberts, CEO, Philanthropy Massachusetts
Featured Speakers
- Orlando
Watkins, The Boston Foundation, Vice President and Chief Program
Officer
- Glynn
Lloyd, Executive Director, Nectar Community Investments
- Stratton Lloyd, President & CEO at Essex County
Community Foundation
About the Collaborative:
Together as a group of funders, we will identify needs, set shared goals, and develop strategies to enhance the support system for small businesses in Massachusetts. As a participant, you'll engage in discussions, share insights, and explore innovative solutions with fellow funders, both via Zoom and occasionally in person. Join us if your foundation funds in this area and you have the availability to attend regular Collaborative meetings (approx 6 per year).
Please feel free to reach out to the project manager for this collaborative,
Karleen Porcena, if you have any questions.