The SVZ Catch-Up: July Edition
The latest news and updates from the world of social enterprise for July 2025
By: Aqsa Rehman
July 28th, 2025
As we enter the month of August, we wanted to keep you in the loop with the goings-on in the world of social enterprise - which means it's time for another SVZ Catch-Up! Here are four stories from the social impact and entrepreneurship world that have caught our eye this month.
‘Buy local’ momentum leads to business growth in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia small business owner Ian O’Brien has seen recent growth and success in his business, even after U.S. President Donald Trump’s punitive tariffs on Canadian goods. The ongoing trade war and tensions with the United States have pushed locals in his area to look for Canadian made products. Canadians have noted that their shopping habits have changed since the trade war, and want to contribute to their local communities. The ‘buy local’ trend has grown significantly, especially in Nova Scotia, after the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses gave the maritime province the highest score when it comes to removing internal trade barriers. Local businesses continue to see growth as consumers invest more in Canadian products.
France’s retail social impact investment market reaches €29.4 billion
In 2024, France’s retail social investment grew by €2 billion, a 7% increase from the previous year according to the recent Social Impact Finance Barometer from FAIR and La Croix. The increase brings total retail social impact finance to €29.4 billion. Experts note there is still a need for further investment in social finance and impact in France, but FAIR advocacy officer Julia Robin sees the current numbers as a good sign. Investors continue to show a growing interest in impact-based solutions, which has led to increased direct investments. The enterprises who have benefited from this growth are solving problems such as sustainable farming, improving housing for vulnerable populations and working with seniors in supporting elderly home care.
Nearly 9 in 10 small businesses in Canada feeling more positive about future of business: Report
According to a report published by Xero, small businesses in Canada are showing a renewed confidence in their future, with an overall 86% feeling optimistic about their operations. Some reported factors contributing to the rise in confidence include a 43% increase in job opportunities, a 41% increase in sales and 30% better cash flow. However, rising costs are still a challenge for businesses in Canada, especially small businesses, where 52% note that the increase in costs have negatively impacted sales. Despite current uncertainty and the continued trade war, businesses in Canada are staying resilient in their hope by employing strategies like diversifying their industry’s market, accessing government funding and seeking out opportunities for growth and innovation.
Micromentor launches as independent nonprofit social enterprise to expand global access to business mentorship
Micromentor has officially launched independently as a separate non-profit organization after fifteen years within the global development organization, Mercy Corps. A seed donation of $150,000 kickstarts a new chapter for the mentorship platform. Throughout the years, Micromentor has positioned itself as the world’s largest mentoring platform for underserved entrepreneurs. Its multilingual platform connects entrepreneurs all across the globe, serving more than 500,000 users across 180 countries. Micromentor’s recent launch blends both the non-profit and for-profit aspects of their business model. With this launch, Micromentor also hopes to pioneer its MaaS (mentoring as a service) program. Currently, Micromentor offers its services free of charge to all entrepreneurs through volunteer mentorship.