How Betty Francisco Rewrites the Rules on Impact Investing
Betty Francisco and Boston Impact Initiative have sent millions into communities of color, and they keep finding ways to grow that reach […]
First Mover Fund Selected for 2026 T25 List
Each year, the Transformative 25 lifts up the funds, banks, and initiatives working to reshape finance from the inside out — centering community ownership, creative capital structures, and returns that go beyond the financial.
BII Wins the Norris Weston Award
The Norris Weston Award, named after a dedicated community leader from the Franklin Street neighborhood in East Somerville, was established by Somerville […]
BII’s 4th Year of IA 50
We’re excited to announce that BII has been named to the 2026 ImpactAssets 50 (IA 50) — the definitive guide to impact […]
Women Leaders Shaping the Boston Startup Community in 2026
We’re proud to share that BII CEO Betty Francisco and Boston While Black Founder Sheena Collier have both been recognized in Startup […]
Boston Impact Initiative raises $22 million to invest in New England’s small businesses
This ImpactAlpha article recaps how BII surpassed its $20 million target during its second funding to invest in New England based small businesses and real estate projects.
Mass. Women of Color Coalition marks 10 years, urges civic participation
This Worcester Magazine article recaps MAWOCC's Annual Meeting and Celebration, which was held on January 25, 2025. CEO Betty Francisco served as the event's Keynote Speaker.
From Impact Investing to “Impact-First” Investing—What Is the Field Learning?
By Steve│Nonprofit Quarterly What does impact investing—that is, investing with social benefit in mind—demand of investors? Many in the field have long […]
Investors of color face obstacles as they fund new businesses, report says
This Boston Globe article covers the release of BII's State of the Cohort report on December 18, 2024. It was produced by the Globe’s Money, Power, Inequality team.
The business of small business
This story on the Nonprofit Finance Fund website profiles the Coalition for an Equitable Economy (CEE), and quotes BII CEO Betty Francisco, one of CEE's founders.
How to hack the finance system for regenerative returns
Jasper van Brakel, president and CEO of RSF, interviewed BII CEO Betty Francisco and Mark Lewis, managing partner at Trailhead Capital, on how they're working to create a regenerative economy.
Boston Impact Initiative Fund Manager Cohort Recap
Cate Fox, Program Director with AmbitioUS, an initiative of the Center for Cultural Innovation (CCI), shared her thoughts on attending BII's National Fund Manager Cohort Convening in November 2024.