By: C’pher Gresham, National Director of Expansion Social Capital Markets [or SOCAP for short] just wrapped up, but the energy is still palpable. Overlooking Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge, SOCAP is hosted on the edge of the bay at Fort Mason. Despite being in a picturesque location, the conversations rarely involve the scenery. Everyone at SOCAP is energized by the future of social enterprise, impact investing, creating inclusive economies, and decidedly looking towards the future. Topics spanning continents drew parallels between disparate locations and cultures, such as how market-based solutions to water shortages in sub-Saharan Africa can influence water policy in a drought stricken California. Although a healthy 2,500 people attended SOCAP this year, we know not every social entrepreneur or interested professional had the chance to attend. So, what did we learn at SOCAP? A lot. But a few things stuck out to us. Impact Measurement Took the Stage Impact measurement was truly on the top of everyone’s minds. From talking with impact investors to foundations, the ability to quantify impact in real terms that is actionable to the organization delivering the impact is crucial. SEED SPOT’s Social Impact Analyst, John Schwarzlose affirmed that “impact measurement took center stage. Too much talk has been about how important it is for business to make impact, and not enough about how to actually measure and show the true value of that impact. The Rockefeller Foundation, the GIIN, and Acumen have been leading the charge on how best we can provide ways…
Read More: Missed SOCAP? The Top 5 Things We Learned at SOCAP 16
