New Ventures Mexico Latin American Impact Investment Forum

Next week, New Ventures Mexico will hold its first ever Latin American Impact Investment Forum in Mérida, Mexico. New Ventures Mexico functions as a business accelerator program. It was established in 2004 to promote sustainable economic development, encouraging particularly the development of enterprises that seek to make a positive social and environmental impact.

The three-day forum that will be held in Mérida, Mexico from February 2-4, 2011 will feature a lineup of speakers and panels that will discuss impact investing in food and health, financial services, technology, education and employment, and the green industry among others.

Debates will discuss the difference between profits and other impacts made by enterprises, and whether and how those other ways of making an impact can be measured.

The forum participants – including entrepreneurs, investors and other like-minded organizations – will also have plenty of opportunity to network and exchange ideas and experiences and establish common goals for business opportunities that make a social and environmental impact.

This is an excellent initiative and points to a couple of growing trends. First, the effectiveness of entrepreneurship and small business growth in economic development. Second, the ability these enterprises have of making a positive contribution to their communities in the environmental or social realm without sacrificing profitability. It is always inspiring to hear of initiatives that focus on the well being of other stakeholders while at the same time operating a profitable enterprise.

If you plan on attending the Latin American Impact Investment Forum we would love to hear from you. Let us know how it goes. If you know of other events or initiatives that have a similar focus, also let us know.