“Impact” and “investing” are two common words, but put those words together, and people often struggle to pinpoint the meaning of the term “impact investing.” Impact investing promotes social impact by making debt investments to parties in need such as entrepreneurs, and Emory Impact Investing Group (EIIG) aims to do exactly this in the Atlanta community. EIIG members gain an educational experience by being engaged the lending process, which includes fundraising, investment analysis/selection, and loan monitoring. EIIG was founded by Brandon Walker 16BBA in 2014, and the group raised more than $10,500 in its first year. The group lended to Nicole Massiah of Krumbz Bakery, a local Atlanta bakery, after a thorough evaluation process. EIIG has submitted necessary documentation and is currently finalizing the terms of their loan. Using the experience gained from the success of their first loan, EIIG is currently working to choose an entrepreneur to loan to in 2016, and preparing eagerly for a fundraising campaign to support this second loan. To contribute to the campaign, which ends Jan. 31, click here.
– Rachel Chon
