Just like “impact investing,” “social entrepreneurship” has been a buzz term for a while, along with “social responsibility,” “corporate sustainability,” and the concept of B Corporation.

Investing in social entrepreneurship is not just for the public problem-solvers of Silicon Valley who want to do good while turning a profit. Sure, Uber gives rides to jurors in Michigan and Airbnb is working with Portland and San Francisco on streamlining disaster response in case of an earthquake or other emergency, but some argue that every business should be socially conscious.

We’ve all heard such terms as “social entrepreneurship,” “conscious capitalism,” and “social investment.” Impact investing is part of the same philosophy, meaning that the process provides money for companies and projects meant to benefit the society and the environment — with financial gain.

It’s not cut from the same cloth as other types of investment, but rather serves as an alternative — with its own set of merits, hurdles and how-to guidelines — that is making great strides toward mainstream and has the ability to positively influence human progress. It is also changing the landscape of business practices and philanthropy as we know it.

What is impact investing?

“Impact investing is a spectrum. It means different things to different people,” notes Tony Abraham in his article for Technical.ly Baltimore. The articles praises Brian Trelstad’s (who is partner at Bridges Ventures, a fund manager company specializing in sustainable and impact investing) January 2016 guide in Harvard Business Review on the kinds of impact investing, but still calls it a “wonky breakdown.”

For Immediate Release: Thursday, May 19, 2016

Staunton Media Lab Debuts on Innovators Row at CBIC Awards

New Venture Capitalizes on Unique Capabilities of the Disabled

(Staunton, VA — May 19, 2016)  The Staunton Media Lab, a media arts program for the deaf, blind and uniquely able, is celebrating its regional debut at the annual CBIC Awards Gala at the Boar’s Head Inn, Thursday evening, May 26.

The CBIC Awards honor Central Virginia technology entrepreneurs. The Staunton Media Lab earned a spot on CBIC’s Innovators Row through a competitive jury process. CBIC Innovators Row showcases startup ventures before an audience of the region’s leading technology entrepreneurs, investors, educators, and public officials. The Staunton Media Lab will be recording red carpet interviews with arriving guests at the swanky CBIC Gala.