Impact Investing and the Fostering of Business Ventures’ Financial Performance and Social Impact in Disadvantaged Urban Areas

We examine whether impact investing is more effective in fostering business venture success and social impact when directed toward ventures located in vs. outside disadvantaged urban areas (i.e., areas with high crime, unemployment, and poverty). We explore this question in the context of loans made to business ventures located in French “banlieues” vs. “non-banlieues”. We find that loans issued to banlieue ventures, compared to non-banlieue ventures, yield greater improvements in financial performance, as well as greater social impact in terms of the creation of local employment opportunities, quality jobs, and jobs for minorities—all of which contribute to the social inclusion of marginalized communities and the development of sustainable.

Should you want to attend this talk on Zoom, please register at: https://forms.gle/YsumfNqi8kksdw2j7 by Wednesday 27th noon. We will send you the zoom link and a copy of Caroline’s paper.