The Catalyst Business Commitment

The Catalyst Business Commitment is a prestigious recognition of private businesses that partner with mission-locked social enterprises.

Businesses which meet the criteria will be issued a Catalyst Business Commitment badge which they will be eligible to use on their product/service communication.

Criteria to be issued a badge

Businesses that demonstrate action in at least one of the following three areas are eligible to receive and display the Catalyst Business Commitment badge. Actions are awarded with points that relate to different categories of badge from Bronze to Platinum.

System Change Funding

Providing unrestricted, long-term funding for mission-locked, SEWF Verified social enterprises working on a social or environmental issue. This would include businesses that are part of existing pledge programs like Pledge 1% or 1% for the Planet.

Pro Bono or Discounted Services

Providing free or discounted services to mission-locked, SEWF Verified social enterprises. This would include tech companies and law firms that already offer pro bono and discounted services to non-profits.

Social Procurement

Preferentially sourcing products and services from mission-locked, SEWF Verified social enterprises. Businesses that have a single social enterprise partnership would be included, but businesses that update their procurement policies or commit a percent of their spend would be recognised as being at a higher level.

Award Levels

Awards are based on points scored across all of the categories above. See grading system for more information.

Catalyst Business Commitment - Platinum level

View grading system

Benefits of having the badge

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Business Perspective

Social enterprises are designing and testing innovative new models for addressing systemic social and environmental challenges. Collaborating with social enterprises can help businesses transition to inclusive and regenerative practices, achieve ESG goals, reach underserved communities, develop more ethical and resilient value chains, engage new talent, and build public credibility.

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Social Enterprise Perspective

If we hope to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 and transition to an inclusive and regenerative economy, businesses have a critical role to play. Engaging with businesses can help social enterprises leverage new resources and networks to expand their impact, mobilise intrapreneurs working for change within business, and find new partnerships to shift institutional norms and public policies.

Apply for the Catalyst Business Commitment badge

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Awardees

FAQs

What is the Catalyst Business Commitment (CBC)?

The CBC is an award system, designed and developed by the social enterprise sector to provide recognition to businesses that are working with mission-locked social enterprises to meet ESG targets, achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and benefit people and planet.

Who created the CBC?

The CBC came out of a Catalyst 2030 collaboration. Social enterprise ecosystem builders from around the world wanted to recognise businesses that are engaged in building a more sustainable regenerative economy and encourage other businesses to take steps towards these impacts. The initial Catalyst 2030 members involved in the CBC are: Social Enterprise World Forum, Good Market, Buy Social USA, the World Fair Trade Organization, Fair Trade Federation, Social Impact Movement, Yunus Social Business and Moving Worlds.

What are the 3 categories of action?

Businesses can gain recognition for work in any or all of the following areas: Systems Change Funding, Pro-bono & Discounted Services and Social Procurement.

How do we score points?

The CBC looks at existing actions that the business is taking to work alongside mission-locked social enterprises, and then awards points based on the action. There are 21 actions in total, ranging in score from 1 to 3 points.

Who decided what the actions should be?

Catalyst 2030 members created the scoring criteria and points allocation system and tested the process with leading businesses.

Who decides on the scores given?

When a business applies for the CBC they are asked to upload evidence to substantiate their claims. A panel made up of representatives from the partner organisations above reviews the submitted evidence. A minimum of 3 partner organisations must score and be in agreement in order for a final score and badge level to be allocated.

Which badge level will we be awarded?

Badges are awarded based on total score in three categories of action. The Bronze badge provides a simple and achievable entry point. Businesses that expand their collaborations with mission-locked social enterprises and begin working across other categories of action earn additional points and higher level badges. The points and badge levels are available here: https://catalyst2030.info/CBCGradingSystem

Can you give me an example of an action?

The actions are available here: https://catalyst2030.info/CBCGradingSystem

How long does it take to apply?

Most applications take between 30 and 40 minutes. We have aimed to make the evidence gathering as straightforward as possible (e.g. screen shots and document uploads) for information that should be easy to obtain.

What happens after we are awarded our CBC badge?

Once you are awarded your badge you will be emailed a welcome pack containing suggested uses for marketing your award as well as downloadable versions of the badge logo for marketing purposes.

Can we improve our score and our badge level?

Yes! The intent of the CBC is to provide a welcoming entry point and then to support and encourage businesses to improve their score each year.

Do we get the badge forever?

Once you are awarded the CBC badge you will be invited to submit for an increase in badge level each year.

Is there a cost associated with applying?

No. The Catalyst Business Commitment is about encouraging the recognition of impactful work from the business sector. It does not have a charge associated with it.