HOW MONDRAGON BECAME THE WORLD’S LARGEST CO-OP The Mondragon Corporation, a collection of more than 90 co-ops that employ approximately 80,000 people, is an interesting case study in Spain. The industrial-sized conglomerate owned by its workers suggests an alternative future for capitalism. The New Yorker
1. SBA FINALLY MEETS DEI The U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2021 report showed that only 18% of early-stage business loans went to women-owned firms, 8% to Hispanic-owned businesses, and 5% to Black-owned businesses. Pre-pandemic numbers were just as bad. Last month the SBA announced additional enhancements to Section 7(a) funding that should help improve its ability to meet “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) goals. Main Street Journal
BY RINALDO S. BRUTOCO, Founding President and CEO of the World Business Academy. Reprinted with permission by Ethical Markets Media, LLC
IN MAY, the world lost one of the truly great humans of the last century, my dear friend Hazel Henderson, founder of Ethical Markets, author of nine books, “mother” of the field of sustainable investing, and a 37-year fellow of the World Business Academy.
Our overarching goal at Natural Investments is protecting the planet and developing innovative solutions to work in harmony with mother nature and human society. It includes building a culture that works for everyone by supporting women, Indigenous Peoples, People of Color and other underserved communities. As of 2021, Natural Investments has directed $188 million into 66 private entities supporting the public good for people and planet in a regenerative economy. More than 40% are companies led by women, while a quarter are BIPOC-led.
Interest in sustainable, responsible, impactful (SRI) investments continues to rise in the U.S., and globally, according to the Global Sustainable Investment Alliance. The expansion of SRI consciousness has led Natural Investments to grow as well with $1.11 billion of responsibly managed assets now, a 41% increase from the previous year. The firm directs our clients’ assets toward managers that incorporate environmental, social, or governance factors (ESG) into investment decision-making. The purpose is to avoid investments that are involved in resource-depleting activities that contribute to ecosystem harm or wealth inequities. At the same time, advisors at Natural Investments seek opportunities in enterprises that promote solutions to societal problems and support communities.
1: DESPITE SPILLS AND AIR POLLUTION, FOSSIL FUEL COMPANIES AWARD CEOS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL RECORDS
Executive bonus programs at fossil fuel companies, meant to encourage better environmental practices,
evolved to allow firms to award executives full bonuses even in years with major environmental damage or total emission increases. Washington Post
2:NAVIGATING THE THICKET OF ESG METRICS
With socially responsible investment becoming mainstream, unpacking how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics are analyzed at different firms becomes an important distinction for investors to understand. Financial Times
3: COMMUNITY INVESTING: TOOLS FOR THESE TIMES
An important pillar of responsible finance, community investing has evolved over the past several decades. The resurgence of anti-racist discussions in the public narrative has invigorated new efforts to support BIPOC low-income communities. GreenMoney Journal
4: EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP ON THE RISE
Amidst the pandemic and Great Resignation, employee-owned businesses are increasing in the form of cooperatives and employee stock ownership plans (ESOP). Shareable
5: MICROSOFT AGREES TO RIGHT TO REPAIR
The movement to reduce electronic waste is picking up steam and corporate giant Microsoft is one of several tech firms bowing to federal pressure, consumer demands, and investor concerns to expand repair options. As You Sow
