OUR PURPOSE
OUR MISSION
what we stand for
IIG aims to close the microbusiness gap in the southeast Michigan community.
By providing short-term debt investments, pro-bono consulting services, and a robust resource network to entrepreneurs, we aim to support entrepreneurs that face inequitable access to capital.
We also strive to motivate, empower, and educate undergraduate students about Impact Investing. With a strong emphasis on professional development, our members are exposed to business and impact with first-hand experience and learning opportunities.
MICROBUSINESS GAP
what is it & why is it important
There is a severely unequal distribution of microbusinesses around the country. ZIP codes with the highest poverty rates average 31.5% fewer microbusinesses per capita. High-risk communities often lack the local financial and social resources needed for entrepreneurial success, "robbing communities of the benefits of the ideas and efforts of thousands of promising entrepreneurs" - Stanford Innovation Social Review
Supporting microbusinesses is a crucial aspect of community development and growth. Here are some reasons why microbusinesses are important:
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Responsible for 65-90% of job creation
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Provide products + services tailored to locals
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Occupy vacant storefronts and provide meeting spaces
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Stimulate inflow of community services
credits: @draybvck
PRESIDENT'S NOTE
Nick Pomatto
Welcome to the official website of Impact Investing Group! We are a student-led organization focused on educating and facilitating impact investing in our local community. My name is Nick Pomatto and I am honored to be the president of IIG for 2023. Thank you for taking the time to visit our website and learn more about the impact we strive to achieve every day.
Founded in the fall of 2017, Impact Investing Group has grown into a vibrant community of UofM students passionate about the intersection of impact and business. Our organization consists of two branches: the Impact Microfinance Fund (IMF) Branch and the Consulting Branch. The IMF Branch is the heart of our organization. This branch assesses local businesses with promising opportunities for growth and social impact. Every year, the contributions of the IMF team culminate in our Loan Ceremony in which we award microloans to several impactful businesses. These loans have helped numerous entrepreneurs overcome the capital barriers of growing their businesses. The Consulting Branch continues our work by providing past loan recipients and other impactful entrepreneurs assistance in growing their businesses. Our Consulting team allows us to stay in touch with our loan recipients while expanding our reach to even more extraordinary entrepreneurs. Together, our two branches reinforce our core mission: creating impact.
Joining IIG is one of the best decisions I have made at the University of Michigan. Our organization creates meaningful, tangible change in the community. Therefore, being a member has been a richly rewarding experience. Whether you are a local entrepreneur, a potential new member, or an impact enthusiast, I encourage you to reach out if you would like to learn more about IIG. My email is npomatto@umich.edu. I look forward to hearing from you!
Warm regards,
Nick Pomatto | President, Class of 2024