In today’s interconnected world, it is easy to see how your hard-earned money can end up going towards projects and businesses all around the world.
In 2013, British Columbians contributed $4.5 Billion of new monies into their RRSPs, much of that money disbursed outside the Province and Canada. Imagine what an impact we could have by re-directing just 5% of that money back into the communities in which we live – $225 Million in annual local investments. The idea of Community Impact Investing aims to do just that.
Put your money where your life is
Community Impact Investing is the process of connecting local investors to local investment opportunities. While the demand for investing locally is increasing, traditional options available to investors limit where they can invest. The result is that most local investment capital leaves our community and is invested into far off stock markets and corporations. An unintended consequence is that while our investments create significant jobs and wealth elsewhere, the places we live, work and play are overlooked.
“Community Investment Co-ops tend to generate not only employment and economic activity, but also civic pride and new attitudes about local ability to drive positive community change,” said Eden Yesh, Chair of the BC Community Impact Investment Coalition. “These Co-ops offer mentorship, support, and a connection with local investors and customers who have a vested interest in their success.”
Attend an information session
Eden will host Community Investment sessions in communities throughout the Kootenays. These sessions will highlight examples of how local investment vehicles have successfully met community needs across Canada, such as affordable housing, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and food production, locally-owned small business, technology, and community economic development projects.
The purpose of these sessions are to discuss the local investment movement in British Columbia and the opportunity to establish two new Community Investment Co-ops in Southeastern BC in 2018. The year-long initiative will be facilitated by Eden and funded in part by the Province of BC, Kootenay Employment Services, and the BC Rural Centre.
Each Community Investment session is open to the public. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided and admission is free. There is limited seating in each community so please RSVP right away.
To learn more visit communityinvestmentcoop.ca/rsvp