Our programme
The Future of Business exists to solve problems for the social impact space in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.
We aim to improve this space and community by:
→ Creating easier access to capital for entrepreneurs with an impact- driven agenda
→ Activating a global network of socially-oriented investors
→ Providing global role models, key leadership initiatives and convening high-level stakeholders
Creativity, collaboration, and empathy to move the world forward!
Currently in its pilot phase, the programme will host five investor forums across Africa in early 2021.
A main component of these forums is to implement the use of the SDG Investor Maps, where impact investors can connect and partner with local businesses to fund their sustainability challenges and increase long-term, in-country capital flows. SDG Impact provides investors and businesses the clarity, insights, and tools required to support and authenticate their contribution to achieving the SDGs.
Our matchmaking sessions combine the traditional elements of investing and purpose, thus providing a more collective understanding of how impact investing builds regenerative economies.
In tandem with this tailored matchmaking session, a local pitch competition for SDG-aligned startups will be hosted in collaboration with our local partners. This will be an opportunity for established businesses to share the specific sustainability challenge they need help addressing and/or funding.
Other pilot countries include Rwanda, Nigeria, Uganda, and Kenya.
The Future of Business's mission is to nurture this mindset change through three pillars:
Inspire
Be inspired! We will highlight the higher purpose of business while increasing awareness about the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Participants will be inspired by a growing global community of purpose-driven business leaders and entrepreneurs as we cast our focus to the Oslo Business for Peace Award. Our global network of Honourees and mentorship opportunities provide a positive forum to encourage businessworthy behavior.
Educate
Under the lens of educate, we aim to achieve a mindset change amongst business leaders, entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) by introducing best practices, new tools, and new approaches.
We also provide access to tailor-made learning and innovation materials for investors, entrepreneurs, business leaders, SMEs, and a suite of partner-sourced databases for future investment.
SDG Impact has also developed an innovative tool to provide investors with country-level market intelligence that highlights key intersections between development need, policy priorities, and investor interest. Our programme implements these SDG Investor Maps to provide localized insight into sectors and market conditions that advance the SDGs. The methodology identifies Investment Opportunity Areas (IOAs) that correspond to the SDGs. These opportunities are backed by actionable data to guide investor decision-making.
Connect
Here, we build on the development of the UNDP SDG Impact pilot programme. We facilitate investor matchmaking and networking to stimulate collaboration and SDG-enabling investments by bringing investors, young entrepreneurs and corporations together. Connections worth making!
Our agenda
Prime Minister of Norway, Erna Solberg, attending the Oslo Business for Peace Summit
The Future of Business is aimed at connecting investors with young entrepreneurs and SMEs that are driving global change to meet the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Supported by the Business for Peace Foundation, International Chamber of Commerce, and United Nations Development Programme the programme calls for a mindset change amongst business leaders, investors, and NGOs to shift their business module to one that is centered on being ethically responsible to create positive change in society. From governments to companies alike, more SDG-friendly investments will enable businesses to help solve global challenges.
