On Wednesday, February 10th during #StartupChats, we talked about baking impact into business, and the change that can happen when we do this.
We were joined by a trio of expert guests who lent their time, insight and knowledge to this #StartupChats conversation.
Thia Dao, Content Partnership Lead at Future of Good
Liz Connell, Co-Founder of African Bronze Honey
Aditi Chopra, Digital and E-Commerce Lead at Good Food for Good
First, we defined impact;
Mastercard Canada recognized that impact can mean many things and look differently across various businesses, and shared their philosophy ‘Doing well by doing good’ which encourages impact over many different areas.
A1 Impact can mean so much. Here at Mastercard, we have a philosophy around ‘doing well by doing good’, which can apply to many different aspects of our business and contributions. This includes social and environmental sustainability and financial inclusion. #StartupChats
— Mastercard Canada (@MastercardCA) February 10, 2021
A1. 2/3 Our impact comes from working with beekeeping projects in Africa that produce raw, organic, forest honey. Our honey isn’t just something sweet — it’s a livelihood for 10,000 beekeepers and it’s a means to protect vast forest areas from deforestation!#StartupChats
— African Bronze Honey (@AfricanBHoney) February 10, 2021
Then, we talked about what impact can feel like;
A5 1/1 It gives me a huge sense of fulfilment when buying from brands that are socially conscious and making efforts to make a better place. I feel responsible for helping bring a change in my own small way.
— Good Food For Good (@goodfoodforgood) February 10, 2021
A5 Doing business w a company that I know is doing good in the world warms my heart. On the other side, as a coach I’ve supported companies as they develop their stance, even worked w a consultant that helps companies become B Corps. So amazingly rewarding. #startupchats
— Kristine Carey (@KristineCarey) February 10, 2021
A5. 1/2 As a business customer or as an individual, I try to buy from businesses that consider all stakeholders in their business model because otherwise I feel frustrated that there isn’t a better option. #StartupChats
— African Bronze Honey (@AfricanBHoney) February 10, 2021
We also explored which issues matter and how business can impact them;
A8 Fairness, equality, being responsible about environment issues. To change, businesses need to stop thinking about short term profits, and think about longer term sustainability – ultimately these are the businesses that will survive long term.#StartupChats
— Matt Elton (@fintech_matt) February 10, 2021
Q8 1/3 👏socializing👏mental👏health👏 and resource accessibility
👏closing👏digital👏deficits👏
👏addressing👏inequalities👏 – from gender to race
👏climate👏action👏
👏empowering👏youth👏 to make these decisions
…and these are only a few! #StartupChats— Thi Dao (@dao_maithi) February 10, 2021
Business is an avenue for change.
As we explored the topic of impact, we realized that business is truly an avenue for change.
So many businesses have baked impact into their models and are committed to making the world a better place. Whether it be African Bronze Honey, who are committed to producing honey that is delicious, ethical, and sustainably harvested, Good Food for Good’s organic and natural sauces which provide meals for those in need, or Future of Good who share the stories of those doing good to create a better tomorrow.
Perhaps #StartupChats did some good today as well as we learned from on another, shared our thoughts and opinions and created space to recognize the good in the world in hopes of inspiring more good and more change.
If you were a part of this chat, we are so thankful for you. If not, you can view the entire recap here to continue learning about how impact is happening through business.