From Passion to Impact: How the NEIII Fellowship Empowered My Social Enterprise Trajectory

by Tracey Edwards

Empowered to Bridge Impact and Profit in Jamaica

Five months flew by in a whirlwind of learning and engagement with the New England Impact Investing Fellowship (NEIII) in partnership with Oikos International. It felt like time warped because I was so immersed in the program, grasping every bit of information they offered. The sheer volume might have overwhelmed some, but for me, it was exactly what I needed to confidently take the next step with my social environmental enterprise.

Every entrepreneur understands the initial stage is fueled by passion and a deep belief in your product or service's ability to solve critical problems. But to tackle social, environmental, and governance issues (ESG), resources are vital. This is especially true in vulnerable communities, for underprivileged people, and in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like my home, Jamaica. Climate change was already disrupting our way of life, and traditional funding avenues were overflowing with competing organizations and stakeholders. Then came COVID-19, further exposing the vulnerabilities of people, small businesses, and especially gender dynamics.

As a female entrepreneur focused on climate change and sustainable development, I felt the gap between impact and profit was vast. Initially, I wanted to help businesses achieve Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility (CSER or CSR). However, I wasn’t seeing any implementation plans or clear metrics for measuring success. That’s when I discovered ESG impact investing. It resonated with me, seeming to hit all the right targets. I knew this was the approach I wanted to take with my social environmental enterprise.

Researching this path, I realized I needed investment, and the real funding for impact investments came from non-traditional sources. Yet, I felt inadequate to move forward because the financial aspects seemed daunting. That’s when the NEIII/Oikos Fellowship arrived perfectly.

The global network of Fellows was invaluable for personal evaluation. It allowed me to compare my approach with others and gain feedback, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

Diving Deeper into the Fellowship's Impact

The NEIII/Oikos Fellowship wasn’t just about big-picture concepts; it offered practical tools and resources that continue to benefit me. Here are a few highlights that resonated with me as a female entrepreneur in environmental education:

• Boston Impact Initiative (BII) Game: This interactive simulation was a game-changer. It helped me connect the different investment types to a specific initiative or business. By playing the BII game, organizations can identify their core impact criteria and choose the investment that best aligns with their goals. It even aids in connecting with potential partners who share your social and environmental objectives.

• Diversity in Sustainability (DiS) Network: This platform provided invaluable support, especially for someone like me transitioning into the sustainability space. DiS offers feedback on resumes, career guidance, and access to a network of passionate professionals. Heather Mac, the founder, is an incredible resource – welcoming and always willing to connect people. The NEIII/Oikos Fellowship included a two-month free membership to DiS, allowing me to connect with other members, participate in webinars, and contribute to building this impactful space.

• Oikos Mentorship: The Oikos International Leap Researcher Programme connected me with a dedicated mentor and a supportive community of like-minded individuals. Oikos’ focus on individual capacity building alongside a collaborative approach resonated deeply with me.

From attending sessions by MIT, JUST MONEY, and Finpublica to delving into impact measurement and accessing resources like UNDP Finance Academy and Impact Entrepreneur, the NEIII/Oikos Fellowship provided a holistic learning experience.

Communication and Structure

A good product or service will never reach its target without understanding the needs of those it’s intended to impact. The NEIII Fellowship grasped this concept perfectly. Communication was constant and multifaceted, ensuring everyone stayed informed and engaged.

• Fellowship Coordinator Stephen Snider kept us updated through a dynamic Google group. Packed with resources, the content was well-organized and easy to navigate, allowing access to session materials even for those who missed live sessions.
  

• The WhatsApp group fostered a sense of community and facilitated real-time interaction. This platform proved invaluable for quick questions, discussions, and peer support.

• The creation of a LinkedIn group was another strategic move. It provided a platform for ongoing professional networking beyond the program’s duration, allowing us to connect with fellow changemakers and maintain updated profiles.

• The program encouraged us to create one-page resumes, a valuable exercise that honed our communication skills and helped us present ourselves concisely. This emphasis on self-improvement exemplified the Fellowship’s commitment to our growth.

Beyond exceptional communication, the Fellowship fostered a culture of contribution. We were encouraged to share experiences, ask questions, and even contribute content to the program itself. This emphasis on co-creation fostered a sense of ownership and deepened our learning.

Altogether, the NEIII Fellowship’s structure was a masterclass in fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment. Every element, from communication channels to encouraged self-reflection and collaborative spirit, contributed to the program’s immense success.

Empowered to Make a Difference

The NEIII/Oikos Fellowship equipped me with the knowledge, confidence, and network to navigate the world of impact investing and social entrepreneurship. I now have a deeper understanding of blended finance, impact investing, and ESG. Most importantly, I feel empowered to leverage this knowledge to make a positive impact in my Jamaican community.

If you’re a passionate changemaker seeking to address environmental challenges and drive social progress, the NEIII/Oikos Fellowship is an invaluable program. It will equip you with the tools and resources to turn your vision into reality.

Professional Profile – Tracey Edwards, Sustainability Entrepreneur and Educator

Tracey Edwards, a climate-focused entrepreneur from Jamaica, found the NEIII Fellowship to be the perfect catalyst for advancing her social environmental enterprise. Immersed in five months of intensive learning and engagement, Tracey gained valuable insights into impact investing, ESG, and blended finance—tools she needed to confidently bridge the gap between impact and profit in vulnerable communities like hers. Key program elements like the Boston Impact Initiative simulation, Diversity in Sustainability network, and Oikos mentorship helped her connect theory to practice while expanding her professional network.

Beyond technical knowledge, the Fellowship’s strong communication and collaborative culture empowered Tracey to grow as a leader and changemaker. With expert sessions, resource-rich platforms, and supportive peer communities, she felt equipped to make a meaningful difference in Jamaica and beyond. Tracey’s experience highlights how the NEIII Fellowship transforms passion into actionable impact for entrepreneurs ready to tackle today’s environmental and social challenges.

Learn more here – https://www.neiii.org/thefellowship