1. Uniting Funders and Founders: Sarah Sterling's Insights on Investment Trust 2. Sarah Sterling on the Founder-Funder Nexus: Building Bridges in Impact Investing 3. Investing with Intent: Sarah Sterling Explores Trust Between Funders and Founders 4. Breaking Barriers: Sarah Sterling’s Strategy to Connect Funders and Entrepreneurs 5. Sarah Sterling: Fostering Trust and Intent in Entrepreneurial Funding 6. Trust the Process: Sarah Sterling’s Take on Funder-Founder Relationships 7. Building Impactful Bonds: Sarah Sterling on Trust-Focused Funding Dynamics 8. Beyond Capital: Sarah Sterling Advises on Value-Driven Investor Relationships 9. Sarah Sterling’s Guide to Strategic Partnerships Between Investors and Founders 10. Crafting Trust: Sarah Sterling’s Approach to Entrepreneur-Investor Partnerships

1. trust in investment, 2. due diligence, 3. intentional capital seeking, 4. value beyond finances, 5. impact ventures, 6. investor-entrepreneur relationship, 7. SoCAP, 8. social entrepreneurship, 9. impact investing, 10. Social Enterprise Alliance, 11. Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship, 12. investment readiness, 13. investment criteria, 14. mentorship programs, 15. networking in impact space, 16. impact measurement, 17. #opendoorclimate hashtag, 18. community of trust, 19. investment challenges, 20. venture scaling, 21. imposter syndrome, 22. leadership burnout, 23. team management, 24. term sheets, 25. legal structure in entrepreneurship, 26. Just and sustainable economy, 27. venture funding, 28. peer community for entrepreneurs, 29. SOCAP fellowship, 30. investment matchmaking services.

**Introduction to the Episode** - Presentation of the podcast name: Awarepreneurs. - Introduction of the host, Paul Zelizer. - Introduction of the guest, Sarah Sterling, executive director of entrepreneurship for SoCAP. **The Role of Trust and Due Diligence in Investor-Entrepreneur Relationships** - Importance of trust between investors and entrepreneurs. - The necessity of due diligence to establish this trust. **Seeking Appropriate Capital and Investors** - Entrepreneurs being intentional in seeking the right capital. - The significance of finding investors who offer more than financial support. **Understanding Investment Goals and Challenges** - Discussion of investment types and expected returns. - Challenges for impact ventures to meet traditional investment criteria. **Due Diligence Process and Investor Responsiveness** - The impact of a lengthy due diligence process on entrepreneurs. - The need for clear communication from investors regarding their investment decisions. **Networking and Leveraging Connections** - The advantage of using trusted networks for introductions to potential investors. - Encouragement to get involved in local opportunities and events. **Sarah Sterling's Background and SOCAP's Role** - Sarah's journey from Peace Corps to social entrepreneurship. - SOCAP's objective to foster connections and conversations for scaling impact. **Building Relationships Between Funders and Founders** - The necessity of a symbiotic relationship despite potential discomfort. - Encouragement to attend impactful SOCAP events in the impact space. **Strategies and Networking for Entrepreneurs** - The importance of joining organizations and leveraging mentorship programs. - Utilizing online platforms and hashtags for networking. **The Importance of Impact Measurement** - The need for robust impact measurement and data to attract investment. - Discussing the struggle to define impact investing and identifying consistent metrics. **Debunking the 'Star Entrepreneur Myth'** - Advocating for honesty about entrepreneurship challenges. - Promoting a community of trust among entrepreneurs. **Program and Fellowship Highlights** - Sarah's discussion on program focus areas including imposter syndrome and burnout. - Information about the fellowship's structure, participants, and sessions. - Emphasizing investment readiness and the role of due diligence. **Educating on Impact Investing** - Accessing educational resources and attending localized events. - The value of connecting with social entrepreneurs for informal learning. **Balancing Power in the Investment Realm** - Addressing the imbalance of power between impact investors and social entrepreneurs. - The need for flexible funding models and financial mindsets in this space. **Beyond the Investment: The Role of Investors** - The added value of caring investors beyond financial contributions. - Building a supportive and trusting culture within the entrepreneurship community. **Evolution of the SOCAP Fellowship** - Origins and evolution of the fellowship. - Adaptations made during COVID and the decision to offer a virtual program. - Objectives of building a global peer community and the focus on wellness for founders.

Sarah Sterling's journey is a tale of passion, impact, and entrepreneurial spirit. Her professional expedition began as a Peace Corps volunteer in El Salvador, where she immersed herself in the power of business for impact while working with small women's business development groups. This experience was the catalyst for Sarah's dedication to creating positive change and set the foundation for her future endeavors. Fuelled by the transformative encounters during her time with the Peace Corps, Sarah pursued higher education at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey. There, she sought to deepen her understanding of social entrepreneurship and impact investing, leading her to the Frontier Market Scouts certificate training program. The program sharpened her skills and equipped her with knowledge directly from active practitioners in the field. Sarah's commitment to fostering social change propelled her to Guatemala, where she honed her expertise as the Impact Director at Pomona Impact, an impact investment fund. She played a pivotal role in driving investments that aligned with both financial returns and social impact, demonstrating her ability to blend business acumen with a heart for service. In 2015, Sarah became an influential figure at SoCAP, where she led the entrepreneur program known as the SOCAP Fellowship. Her leadership helped countless social entrepreneurs gain visibility, resources, and networks to amplify their effect on the world. Sarah's work, however, did not stop there. She also shared her insights and experience through consulting for various accelerators and incubator programs, empowering the next generation of changemakers. Sarah Sterling's story is not just about the positions she's held but the lives she's touched and the communities she's uplifted through her unwavering belief in the power of impact-driven business.

[Podcast Intro Music] Paul Zelizer: "Greetings everyone, and welcome to this thought-provoking episode of Awarepreneurs. In this session, titled 'Bridging the Divide Between Funders and Founders,' we have the pleasure of hosting the remarkable Sarah Sterling, the executive director of entrepreneurship for SoCAP. With her wealth of experience in social entrepreneurship and impact investing, Sarah dives into the nuances of the critical relationship between those who invest and those who innovate for social good. Together, we'll explore the foundational role that trust plays in pairing funders and founders, the intricacies of the due diligence process, and the strategies required to forge strong, value-driven partnerships. Join us as we discuss the importance of aligning capital with a venture's stage and mission, and hear from Sarah about the power of leveraging networks and mentorship programs like the ones offered by SoCAP and the Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship. Prepare to gain insights into the vital connections being made at the globally-focused SOCAP conference, the challenges posed by traditional financial mindsets, as well as the essential community-building within the impact investment space. We'll also touch upon the realities of managing a social enterprise, from confronting imposter syndrome and burnout to mastering the legal and financial intricacies. Sarah will share her journey, which began with the Peace Corps, evolving into her leading role in shifting perspectives and approaches within the social impact sector. Whether you're an investor ready to make a meaningful impact, a startup founder seeking the right funding fit, or an enthusiast in the realm of socially conscious business, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Let's deepen our understanding of the symbiotic dance between funding and innovation, right here on Awarepreneurs. Stay tuned!" [Podcast Transition Music]

00:00 Diverse professional experience in impact investing discussed.

06:06 SOCAP: Global gathering for impact investors and entrepreneurs.

09:01 Impact investors and social entrepreneurs form symbiotic relationship.

12:14 Diverse approaches in impact investing for success.

18:05 Blind email introductions aid in establishing trust.

21:39 Impact ventures may not yield high returns.

22:44 Entrepreneurs face frustrating and demotivating due diligence.

26:22 Entrepreneurs build trust through peer community support.

30:45 Supporting entrepreneurs through valuable connections at SOCAP.

33:05 45 holistic sessions, scaled-down community, personalized support.

38:32 "Supportive fellowship, game-changing for funders and founders."

42:01 LinkedIn offers valuable resources, including free classes.

43:49 Encouraging words about social impact and entrepreneurship.

49:13 Encouraging community trust and connections for impact.

50:54 Need more investment in impact measurement.

54:38 Entrepreneurs should be open, vulnerable, and supported.

Impact Investing Insights: "It was the first time that I really got into this concept of business for impact even at a very, like, microfinance level. But I really got to see the impact of people on the ground, which I think was really the life changing, you know, click for me." — Sarah Sterling 00:02:46 00:02:57

Social Entrepreneurship and Impact Investment: "You know, my my mom's an entrepreneur. She runs her own Montessori preschool, so I was raised with that sort of, you know, business leadership mindset from a very early age." — Sarah Sterling 00:04:37 00:04:47

Impact Investing at SOCAP: "It's a once a year event that takes place at least for this year, October 28th through 30th. And we're in San Francisco and we convene about 2500 to 3000 people. So we're we are a very large audience, but we really focus on creating connections between people, especially diverse people who might have very different opinions through debate and and just conversation, but also through actively connecting people ourselves together." — Sarah Sterling 00:07:23 00:07:44

Impact Investing and Social Entrepreneurship: "So it should be this really symbiotic relationship where you have impact investors who are, you know, funders sometimes coming from a very traditional financial background who are wanting to do to do something different and really put their dollars towards the impact ecosystem and and showing either their, you know, LPs, etcetera, the people who are investing in their funds tangible impact beyond just the financial return." — Sarah Sterling 00:09:09 00:09:37

Impact Investing Challenges: "And I think the issue that's become really present in the ecosystem is really a power imbalance and a power dynamic that has been established by bringing a lot of people and mindsets from the traditional financial background into the impact investing social entrepreneurship space." — Sarah Sterling 00:10:47 00:10:57

Empowering Entrepreneurs: "we take the standpoint of, you know, how can entrepreneurs really approach investors from a place of power and stepping into the power that they have as social entrepreneurs." — Sarah Sterling 00:17:06 00:17:15

The Art of Securing Investment: "It's a big factor of trust of, like, if you're approaching me as an entrepreneur, if I'm an investor and you're approaching me as an entrepreneur, it means that you've done your homework and due diligence on what I'm looking to invest in or if I'm even actively investing." — Sarah Sterling 00:18:30 00:18:42

Scaling Entrepreneurial Fellowship Programs: "And that's also why we've cut back again both on content because it's too much of a time commitment for the founders. But, also, we've cut back to 20 because we really do wanna be able to provide that really individualized service and helping them think through what types of connections they want to make, whether it's for funding or or other types of partnerships, and really connect them to one another." — Sarah Sterling 00:33:47 00:34:08

Building Trust in the Social Impact Community: "I would love to reiterate just building be a part of building that community of trust, you know, really on both sides, really putting yourself out there and being open to making connections even if it's not gonna be an immediate, you know, return on your investment socially and professionally, because that's, I think, the only way we're gonna be able to move capital." — Sarah Sterling 00:49:14 00:49:35

Impact Investment Challenges: "I think we haven't learned the lesson of, you know, the international development community and their their lack of making progress or even the SDGs. Right? Everyone talks about the SDGs. We're in, like, the 2nd round now. What what sort of improvement have we really seen? And the only way to really see that is through impact measurement and really having, you know, baseline data to compare things to." — Sarah Sterling 00:51:03 00:51:25

Hello, fellow entrepreneurs and change-makers, this is Paul Zelizer from Awarepreneurs, and I've just wrapped up an enlightening session with Sarah Sterling. Today we bridged the daunting divide between funders and founders, discussed the pivotal role of trust, and the need for intentional capital alignment in impact ventures. Sarah brought incredible insights into the importance of due diligence, while we explored the challenges of the investment process and the value of building connections beyond finances. Whether you're seeking guidance on investment readiness or looking to join a community that champions social entrepreneurship, tune into this episode for strategies to navigate the impact space confidently. Because when we learn to speak the same language of change, that's when our ventures truly flourish. Join us to make a difference that matters. Stay inspired!

🌟 Thrilled to share an incredible episode from *Awarepreneurs* that resonates with both seasoned and aspiring impact entrepreneurs and investors! 🌟 We were honored to host Sarah Sterling, the executive director of entrepreneurship for SoCAP, to discuss "Bridging the Divide Between Funders and Founders." Our conversation delved deep into the complexities and nuances of building meaningful relationships in the impact investment sector. Here are the **3 Key Takeaways** from this enlightening episode: - **Trust & Due Diligence**: - The essence of a strong investor-entrepreneur relationship is trust, fostered by intentional due diligence. Sarah Sterling underscores the importance of aligning capital with your venture's stage and seeking investors who bring more than just funds to the table. 🤝 - **Effective Networking**: - Leverage your ecosystem! Paul Zelizer encourages tapping into podcasts, events, and platforms (like #opendoorclimate on LinkedIn) for invaluable connections. Sarah recommends local opportunities and organizations like the Social Enterprise Alliance to bolster your network. 🌐 - **Impact Measurement Matters**: - Showcasing your social enterprise's impact is crucial. Quantitative and qualitative data play a pivotal role in attracting potential investors. Sarah emphasizes the ongoing challenge of defining and measuring impact—and the push for a common language in the industry. 📊 Whether you're a founder looking for investment readiness tips or an investor seeking to make a difference through your funds, this episode is for you! 👉 Tune in to *Awarepreneurs* for the full scoop with Paul Zelizer and Sarah Sterling. #AwarepreneursPodcast #ImpactInvesting #SocialEntrepreneurship #SoCapital #Networking #DueDiligence #ImpactMeasurement #TrustBuilding #FundersFoundersBridge

Subject: Dive Deep into the Funder-Founder Dynamic with Sarah Sterling on Awarepreneurs 🌉 Hello Impact-Minded Listeners, We know you're passionate about creating change and bridging gaps in the world of impact entrepreneurship. That's why we're writing to share a very special episode of the Awarepreneurs podcast that's bound to elevate your understanding and inspire action. 🎙 Episode Highlight: "Bridging the Divide Between Funders and Founders with Sarah Sterling" In our recent episode, Paul Zelizer welcomes Sarah Sterling, the executive director of entrepreneurship for the esteemed SoCAP, digging into the complexities of the relationship between those who fund change and those who create it. Here's a sneak peek at what's in store: 🌟 Trust & Due Diligence: Sarah Sterling dissects the trust factor that serves as the cornerstone of successful partnerships between investors and entrepreneurs. Learn why due diligence is more than a process; it's a pathway to mutual confidence. 🌟 Alignment & Value Beyond Capital: Discover the criteria that matter when marrying mission with money. Sarah unravels the secrets to finding aligned investors who bring more to the table than just their wallets. 🌟 Networking & Leveraging Relationships: Sarah and Paul probe into networking strategies and how leveraging personal connections can dramatically enhance entrepreneur-investor interactions. The power of community has never been this evident. 🌟 SOCAP's Role: Get an insider's look at the largest conference on social entrepreneurship and impact investing globally. Understand SOCAP’s advancement of a sustainable and equitable economy and how it's shaping the narrative of social change. 🌟 Practical Wisdom: Impact measurement, battling imposter syndrome, dealing with burnout, and understanding the intricacies of term sheets – it's all covered. Sarah shares tips from the front lines that you won't get anywhere else. 🎟️ SOCAP Fellowship: An opportunity as big as your ambitions. The SoCap fellowship is a breeding ground for growth, learning, and making impactful connections. Take the plunge and find out how you can be part of this transformative journey. Don't just take our word for it; the episode is rich with information that could be the catalyst for your next big leap as an impact entrepreneur or enlightened investor. Tune in by clicking the link below: [Listen to the Episode Here] We also want to remind you that your voices and perspectives matter to us. If there's a topic you're burning to explore or a guest you're keen to hear from, hit the 'Reply' button and let us know. Your suggestion might just guide our next conversation. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to social entrepreneurship and for being a valued member of the Awarepreneurs community. Together, let's continue to foster connections, education, and resources that carry forward the momentum of positive change. Build bridges, make an impact, The Awarepreneurs Team P.S. Don't miss out on local events and opportunities to deepen your engagement. ConnectUp Minnesota is around the corner – immerse yourself in hands-on learning and networking! 💡 Stay Aware: Join our community on LinkedIn and follow the hashtag #opendoorclimate for updates on climate-related impact initiatives. Let's create ripples together! [Connect on LinkedIn] [Subscribe to Podcast] --- You're receiving this email because you signed up for our newsletter at Awarepreneurs. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. [Unsubscribe Link] Awarepreneurs | [Address] | [Contact Information]

🚀🌱 Thread: The Secret Sauce of Funding Social Ventures: A Dive into Trust, Due Diligence, and Impact with Sarah Sterling & Paul Zelizer! 1/ 🧵 #ImpactInvesting #SocialEntrepreneurship #Funding #DueDiligence 🤝 Trust between investors & entrepreneurs is crucial, says Sarah Sterling. But how do we cultivate it? It's all about due diligence, but not just as a box-checking exercise. It's a trust-building mission. Let's unpack this! 👇 2/ 🔍 Due diligence is more than financial health checks. Sarah emphasizes the need to seek capital that matches your venture's stage/type. More than that, finding investors who bring more than money to the table - like expertise & networks. #VentureCapital #StartUpFunding 3/ 🌟 Spotlight on Paul Zelizer: He urges understanding the capital sought & ROI. Impact ventures often grapple with balancing traditional investment goals with ethical missions. Navigating this is key. #ROI #EthicalInvesting 4/ 😤 Long due diligence can be a pain. Both Sarah & Paul highlight the need for clear, responsive communication from investors, to avoid the dreaded "maybe" zone. Yes, no, or not-yet should be the investor's mantra. #Entrepreneurship #InvestorRelations 5/ 🤝 Sarah's Pro Tip: If it's a no, investors, how about offering intros to other potential investors? Trust comes from these positive, supportive actions. 🎯 #Networking #InvestorTips 6/ 🎙️ Enter Paul Zelizer's Awarepreneurs podcast with guest Sarah Sterling, the force behind SoCAP's entrepreneurial initiatives. They're fostering a sustainable economy by connecting the dots in the social impact universe. #SoCAP #Awarepreneurs 7/ 🌍 From the Peace Corps to SoCAP, Sarah's journey is a testament to passion & purpose driving career paths. She's worked with women's business groups & in impact investment to shape a more equitable world. 🙌 #CareerJourney #PeaceCorps #WomenInBusiness 8/ 🌟 SOCAP shines as a beacon for those in the impact space - the largest, longest-running conference where change-makers meet, connect, and amplify their efforts. Recommended must-attend for anyone interested in making a real difference. #SocialImpact #Conference 9/ 🔄 Awkward much? The funder-founder relationship can be. Sarah & Paul call for a community of trust to ease the flow of capital into world-benefiting enterprises. It all circles back to trust, doesn't it? #TrustBuilding #EntrepreneurLife 10/ 🌐 Networking Gems: Sarah & Paul advocate engaging in local events and leveraging platforms like LinkedIn & hashtags like #opendoorclimate. Don't forget orgs like Social Enterprise Alliance & mentorship programs for that growth spurt. #Networking #Mentorship 11/ 📈 Measuring impact takes time & energy. Sarah stresses the need for a quantifiable approach to convince investors. With a common language & better data, we can showcase the change we're driving. #ImpactMeasurement #DataDriven 12/ 🦸‍♀️ Bust the 'star entrepreneur myth', says Sarah. Let's be real about the hard yards of entrepreneurship. Paul signs off thanking Sarah for sharing insights from the trenches of impact investing and entrepreneurship. #RealTalk #EntrepreneurMyth 13/ 🙏 Dive into the fellowship program at SoCAP for a deep understanding not just about investment but also about leadership & wellness. #SoCAPFellowship #Wellness #Leadership 14/ 🗺️ With eyes set on global impact, the fellowship curates matchmaking for entrepreneurs & provides platforms for knowledge exchange. From local to global, every connection counts. #GlobalImpact #Matchmaking 15/ ✨ Final Thoughts: It's about power balance, understanding, and support. When investors are just as dedicated as the entrepreneurs, magic happens. Let's bring trust back into the equation and lead with purpose. 🌟 #Leadership #PurposeDriven 16/16 🔄 Found this thread insightful? Like, retweet, and follow for more threads on impact investing and changing the world, one venture at a time. #ChangeMakers #SocialChange 🚀🌍

1. How does the power dynamic between funders and founders impact the trust-building process in impact investing? 2. What strategies can entrepreneurs use to be more intentional about finding aligned capital that offers more than just financial support? 3. In what ways can investors improve their due diligence processes to be more respectful of an entrepreneur's time and resources? 4. How can investors provide support to entrepreneurs beyond the realm of financing, and why is that additional support critical? 5. What roles do local events and networking play in building a successful community within the social impact space? 6. What are some effective approaches for impact measurement that align with the goals of both social entrepreneurs and impact investors? 7. Can you discuss the benefits and challenges of virtual fellowship programs, like the one offered by SOCAP, for global founders? 8. How can founders overcome the "star entrepreneur myth" and why is vulnerability important in the world of entrepreneurship? 9. Given the evolving definitions of impact investing and social entrepreneurship, how can common language and metrics be established for these domains? 10. What advice would Sarah Sterling give to new entrepreneurs looking to bridge the divide with potential funders, especially in less developed impact economies?

1. Just listened to an incredible Awarepreneurs episode with Sarah Sterling. Entrepreneurs, remember to align with investors who share your vision and bring more than just money to the table. 2. Building trust is key in funding relationships. Due diligence works both ways – investors need transparency, and founders must seek compatible funders. 3. SOCAP’s Sarah Sterling sheds light on bridging the funder-founder divide. Engaging in impact investing? Don't miss this insightful talk on Awarepreneurs. 4. Striving for social impact? Strong community and trusted networks are your allies. Learn from Sarah Sterling’s experiences to navigate the investment landscape. 5. The latest Awarepreneurs episode is a gem. Paul Zelizer and Sarah Sterling explore how true connection and understanding can transform the impact investing world.