For nearly 30 years, we have successfully identified and cultivated growth-oriented businesses that create good jobs for people living in areas overlooked by traditional VC firms. We finance and help to grow businesses that pay a living wage, provide basic benefits and host a fair and engaging workplace that offers opportunities for training and advancement.
We view our investment relationships as collaborative partnerships. In addition to capital investment, we are actively involved in our portfolio companies – bringing our knowledge of socially responsible management practices and working together with our parent company, CEI, to introduce workforce development specialists along with environmental, technical assistance and consulting relationships.
We view our investment relationships as collaborative partnerships. In addition to capital investment, we are actively involved in our portfolio companies – bringing our knowledge of socially responsible management practices and working together with our parent company, CEI, to introduce workforce development specialists along with environmental, technical assistance and consulting relationships.
We focus our investments on dynamic, socially minded companies that exhibit a dual potential for high growth and positive community impact, particularly those that:
- Create good jobs and wealth building opportunities for workers with an emphasis on jobs targeted to people with low-to-moderate incomes, in alignment with CEI’s Good Jobs Framework.
- Are located in markets with more limited access to equity capital including rural areas and small cities.
- Are led by individuals underserved by the current equity markets, including people of color, women and veterans.
- Increase the availability of environmentally sustainable products/services that preserve natural resources, reduce waste/pollution or increase the adoption of renewable energy/clean technology.
Strong investment candidates will also exhibit:
- Create good jobs and wealth building opportunities for workers with an emphasis on jobs targeted to people with low-to-moderate incomes, in alignment with CEI’s Good Jobs Framework.
- Prospects for attractive returns with an appealing market opportunity, realistic projections, appropriate valuation, and pragmatic exit plan.
- A competitive advantage through proprietary interest in technology, intellectual property, distribution system or other unique attribute.
- A deep commitment to social benefits including quality employment opportunities and environmental stewardship. Each portfolio company is required to sign a social agreement, securing a commitment to promote CEI’s mission.
- A viable exit plan within a reasonable time frame.