Business

Business Innovations & Initiatives

Social Impact Pioneers Megan Spurgeon and Scott C. Miller talk economic empowerment, workforce development and overcoming poverty in the U.S
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Social Impact Pioneer Christina Mawuse Gyisun, Co-Founder of Sommalife, joins us to talk about the shea industry in West Africa and how she and her team are increasing market access, and securing the future of an industry, by better supporting female smallholder farmers.
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The backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is intensifying, with political and corporate shifts challenging its future. However, DEI remains essential for fairness, business success, and innovation. This article explores strategies for navigating the debate, balancing meritocracy with inclusion, and ensuring workplaces remain diverse, equitable, and open to all.
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Building a fairer, more resilient world by 2045 requires businesses to bridge the gap between social impact and core operations. This article outlines five critical bridges—from breaking silos between environmental and social issues to strengthening collaboration across sectors—that will help companies align priorities, drive innovation, and create lasting impact for both business and society.
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Werner Wallner, Hilti Foundation; Amalia Johnsson, Hand in Hand International; and Payal Dalal, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth. Listen in to explore how microentrepreneurs can be the catalyst for economic growth, the systemic shifts needed to empower them, and the emerging trends shaping their future.
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Access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) remains a major challenge for billions. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play a critical role in filling this gap, but their impact can be enhanced through behaviour change strategies. By leveraging local trust, targeted communication, and data-driven insights, SMEs can drive healthier communities while growing sustainable businesses.
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A new Toolkit, published by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s (FCDO) Work and Opportunities for Women (WOW) programme, provides guidance for multinational companies on boosting the resilience of their supply chains in low-and middle-income countries by investing in women. Integrating gender equity into ESG strategies can help to meet evolving human rights and environmental due diligence requirements, improving risk management while unlocking productivity, innovation, and brand value.
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Social Impact Pioneer, Peter Buturo explains how social work strengthens communities, combats poverty, and champions justice.
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Business as a Force for Good: Key Priorities and Actions for 2025 In January 2025, over 200 members of the Business Fights Poverty community
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Garment workers, particularly women, face growing risks from climate extremes, threatening their health, wages, and livelihoods. A climate-responsive worker insurance program—funded by fashion brands, suppliers, and governments—could provide crucial protections, ensuring financial security and resilience. As climate risks intensify, the fashion industry must prioritize worker-centered solutions for a just transition and sustainable supply chains.
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Gilad Tanay of the ERI Institute explains how to measure impact for business, unified impact measurement scales & impact per dollar.
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As 2025 begins, businesses must shift from strategy to action on sustainability, resilience, and social impact. With support from Business Fights Poverty Institute Fellows, this article outlines five key priorities, including reimagining resilience, scaling regenerative solutions, aligning social and environmental goals, advancing living wages, and leveraging collaboration as a competitive edge. The year ahead offers a critical opportunity to drive meaningful, systemic change.
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Antoinette Marie, Director of Heifer Labs, and Sander de Jong, Managing Director of Fairfood talk blockchain, supplychains and food.
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Social Impact Pioneers Taryn Davis of Cargill & Chris Noble of CARE talk business and social good through transformative partnerships.
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As climate-related emergencies escalate, local networks of NGOs and businesses are becoming indispensable in disaster risk management. These networks foster anticipatory action and resilience through partnerships with governments, exemplified in countries like Peru, Madagascar, and the Philippines. By integrating local networks into disaster frameworks, we can achieve more effective, timely, and equitable responses to crises.
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Smallholder farmers are at the forefront of the climate crisis, forming the backbone of global food systems while bearing its brunt. Market systems development (MSD) offers a transformative approach to achieving climate resilience and justice by fostering sustainable, scalable solutions. This article explores MSD’s potential to empower smallholders, drive greener growth, and support equitable climate action.
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Young green and social entrepreneurs are vital to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, but face barriers like funding gaps, market challenges, and regulatory hurdles. Youth Business International (YBI) and Development Solutions urge governments, financial institutions, and stakeholders to prioritize investment, legal support, and training to empower these innovators.
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David Nicholson of Mercy Corps and Thomas Beloe from the UNDP talk human centred climate action, reflecting on COP29 in Baku.
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Mattering transforms workplaces and communities, fostering engagement, wellbeing, and social impact. Employees thrive when they feel valued and make a meaningful contribution. Through initiatives like employee volunteering, businesses can create shared value, enhancing workplace culture and driving community change.
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As a contentious COP29 wraps up in Azerbaijan, the eyes of the climate community turn to Brazil and COP30. In this article, TechnoServe’s Tony Siantonas and Katarina Kahlmann lay out five priorities to ensure that next year’s climate conference delivers the breakthrough that smallholder farmers need.
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