{"id":276557,"date":"2020-11-25T02:09:54","date_gmt":"2020-11-25T07:09:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/?p=276557"},"modified":"2020-11-25T02:09:54","modified_gmt":"2020-11-25T07:09:54","slug":"telus-launches-new-100-million-social-impact-fund-to-invest-in-new-sustainable-businesses-with-bold-ideas-to-drive-social-change","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/2020\/11\/25\/telus-launches-new-100-million-social-impact-fund-to-invest-in-new-sustainable-businesses-with-bold-ideas-to-drive-social-change\/","title":{"rendered":"TELUS launches new $100 million social impact fund to invest in new sustainable businesses with bold ideas  to drive social change"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-276557 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-full'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/2020\/11\/25\/telus-launches-new-100-million-social-impact-fund-to-invest-in-new-sustainable-businesses-with-bold-ideas-to-drive-social-change\/approved-for-media_-oct-2020-darren_video_still03\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/APPROVED-FOR-MEDIA_-Oct-2020-Darren_Video_Still03.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-276558\" srcset=\"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/APPROVED-FOR-MEDIA_-Oct-2020-Darren_Video_Still03.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/APPROVED-FOR-MEDIA_-Oct-2020-Darren_Video_Still03-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/APPROVED-FOR-MEDIA_-Oct-2020-Darren_Video_Still03-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/APPROVED-FOR-MEDIA_-Oct-2020-Darren_Video_Still03-1024x576.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-276558'>\n\t\t\t\tDarren Entwistle, President and CEO of TELUS, announces $100 million TELUS\nPollinator Fund for Good at virtual event on November 24, 2020. (Supplied)\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/2020\/11\/25\/telus-launches-new-100-million-social-impact-fund-to-invest-in-new-sustainable-businesses-with-bold-ideas-to-drive-social-change\/approved-for-media_-telus-gardens-20-1370_pollinator_assembly_eng_cut08-00_19_41_21-still039\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/APPROVED-FOR-MEDIA_-TELUS-Gardens-20-1370_Pollinator_Assembly_ENG_Cut08.00_19_41_21.Still039.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-276559\" srcset=\"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/APPROVED-FOR-MEDIA_-TELUS-Gardens-20-1370_Pollinator_Assembly_ENG_Cut08.00_19_41_21.Still039.png 1920w, https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/APPROVED-FOR-MEDIA_-TELUS-Gardens-20-1370_Pollinator_Assembly_ENG_Cut08.00_19_41_21.Still039-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/APPROVED-FOR-MEDIA_-TELUS-Gardens-20-1370_Pollinator_Assembly_ENG_Cut08.00_19_41_21.Still039-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/APPROVED-FOR-MEDIA_-TELUS-Gardens-20-1370_Pollinator_Assembly_ENG_Cut08.00_19_41_21.Still039-1024x576.png 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-276559'>\n\t\t\t\tTELUS Garden in Vancouver, BC, one of the Canadian headquarters for the $100 million TELUS Pollinator Fund for Good. (Supplied)\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p><em>The TELUS Pollinator Fund for Good will invest in new businesses that drive enhanced societal outcomes in health, agriculture, environment, and social and economic inclusion <\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Vancouver<\/strong> &#8211; Today, TELUS announced the launch of its new TELUS Pollinator Fund for Good, a $100 million social impact investment fund created to power the biggest, boldest, bravest ideas in new responsible and sustainable startup businesses. The fund will invest in entrepreneurs building solutions aimed at improving healthcare, furthering social and economic inclusion, ensuring sustainable food production, and reducing our environmental footprint. The TELUS Pollinator Fund for Good will fuel greater social innovation in Canada through investments in companies that generate both financial and social returns benefiting our society.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe Pollinator Fund for Good represents the progression of TELUS\u2019 social capitalism thesis, as we invest in entrepreneurs and prescient business models that share our belief that to do well as an organisation, we must do good in the communities where we live, work, and serve,\u201d said Darren Entwistle, President and CEO, TELUS. \u201cThis $100 million investment will accelerate potent, scalable and socially responsible products and services coming to market, helping to answer some of the most pressing social challenges facing our world, including socio-economic inclusiveness. As one of the largest corporate impact funds globally, our TELUS Pollinator portfolio will improve health, environmental and food sustainability outcomes by investing in our next generation of innovators, leveraging transformative digital technologies, to advance TELUS\u2019 promise of a friendly future for all.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>TELUS remains committed to helping Canadian businesses and entrepreneurs adapt and navigate the massive social and economic disruptions posed by COVID-19. The TELUS Pollinator Fund for Good will help scale early-stage companies and invest in those brave enough to tackle societal challenges, deliver value to communities, and fuel economic growth. Investments will focus on for-profit companies and founders committed to driving social innovation and economic growth in the following four areas:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Transforming healthcare:<\/strong> Digital solutions that make safe and quality physical and mental healthcare accessible and efficient for all Canadians.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Enabling inclusive communities:<\/strong> Startups building solutions to further social and economic inclusion and ensuring everyone has an opportunity to reach their full potential.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Supporting responsible agriculture:<\/strong> Companies providing innovative technology-first solutions that empower the agriculture industry to improve Canada\u2019s food systems.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Caring for our planet:<\/strong> Companies and entrepreneurs building solutions to better the planet and reduce our environmental footprints.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>An advisory board of entrepreneurs, investors and thought leaders with expertise across the impact areas is being formed to advise on strategy, markets, and deal sourcing. Early-stage companies receiving investment will benefit from the insights and expertise from TELUS\u2019 depth and breadth of resources, including the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation, TELUS\u2019 Community Boards, TELUS Health, Sustainability, and TELUS Ventures with its broad-reaching network within the venture capital space, to drive meaningful social impact in Canada.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAs a leading corporation in the world, we have an accountability to invest in new responsible businesses to ensure their success and impact,\u201d said Jill Schnarr, Chief Social Innovation Officer. \u201cAt TELUS, we boldly believe profit and purpose are mutually inclusive and we\u2019re doing our part to support purpose-driven businesses that are addressing the needs of our communities today, as well as those we expect to be significant drivers of our economy for years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The TELUS Pollinator Fund for Good is proud to announce its first three cornerstone investments:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/windmillmicrolending.org\/\"><strong>Windmill Microlending<\/strong><\/a> is Canada\u2019s largest microlending program, offering microloans and individualized learning plans to help skilled immigrants and refugees continue their careers in Canada. On average, clients\u2019 incomes increase 3.4x upon completion of the learning plan.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/rhizacapital.com\/\"><strong>Rhiza Capital<\/strong><\/a> is a Sunshine Coast-based impact investment fund that invests in B.C.-based companies that drive both social and economic impact within the regions that they serve.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/tidalvisionusa.com\/\"><strong>Tidal Vision<\/strong><\/a> is a US based company that has developed a proprietary process for upcycling crustacean shells to develop a non-toxic, zero waste biopolymer that has applications across many industries, including textiles, agriculture, and wastewater treatment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u201cAs a global leader in social capitalism, we believe that responsible business means purpose and profit go hand-in-hand. The investments made by the TELUS Pollinator Fund for Good aren\u2019t restricted to Canadian-based companies driving social innovation; it\u2019s open to entrepreneurs worldwide looking to scale and grow their impact in Canada,\u201d said Blair Miller, Managing Partner. \u201cWe look forward to working with our partners and advisors to identify and support purpose-driven companies doing good around the world.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Since 2000, TELUS has contributed $1.3 billion in value, time, and financial support to Canadian charities and grassroots organizations, making TELUS one of the most giving companies in the world. The new TELUS Pollinator Fund for Good is an extension of TELUS\u2019 continued commitment to lead the charge in social capitalism through new investments in socially innovative and responsible products to drive financial return and economic growth while providing portfolio companies with the expertise and support from a world-leading communications and information technology company.<\/p>\n<p><strong>About the TELUS Pollinator Fund for Good <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The $100 million TELUS Pollinator Fund for Good is one of Canada\u2019s largest corporate impact funds, and will focus its investment on for-profit companies and founders committed to driving social innovation. The TELUS Pollinator Fund for Good is an extension of TELUS\u2019 long-standing commitment to leveraging the power of technology to drive positive social and environmental outcomes for all Canadians by funding the development of solutions for transforming healthcare, caring for our planet, supporting responsible agriculture and enabling inclusive communities. To learn more about the TELUS Pollinator Fund for Good, please visit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.telus.com\/en\/pollinatorfund\">telus.com\/pollinatorfund<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"TELUS | Pollinator Fund for Good - Launch Event\" width=\"1170\" height=\"658\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nGBICBVhNe0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><strong>About TELUS<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>TELUS (TSX: T, NYSE: TU) is a dynamic, world-leading communications and information technology company with $15 billion in annual revenue and 15.4 million customer connections spanning wireless, data, IP, voice, television, entertainment, video and security. At TELUS, we leverage our world-leading technology\u2019s potential to enable remarkable human outcomes. Our long-standing commitment to putting customers first fuels every aspect of our business, making us a distinct leader in customer service excellence and loyalty. TELUS Health is Canada\u2019s largest healthcare IT provider, and TELUS International delivers the most innovative business process solutions to some of the world\u2019s most established brands.<\/p>\n<p>Driven by our passionate social purpose to connect all Canadians for good, our deeply meaningful and enduring philosophy to give where we live has inspired our team members and retirees to contribute $736 million and 1.4 million days of service since 2000. This unprecedented generosity and unparalleled volunteerism have made TELUS the most giving company in the world.<\/p>\n<p>For more information about TELUS, please visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.telus.com\/en\/\">telus.com<\/a> and follow us on <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/telusnews\">Twitter (@TELUSnews)<\/a> and on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/darren_entwistle\/?hl=en\">Instagram (@Darren_Entwistle)<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The TELUS Pollinator Fund for Good will invest in new businesses that drive enhanced societal outcomes in health, agriculture, environment, &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":33,"featured_media":276559,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[19],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-276557","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-business","mauthors-telus"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/276557","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/33"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=276557"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/276557\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":276560,"href":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/276557\/revisions\/276560"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/276559"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=276557"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=276557"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=276557"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}