The “Impact & Innovation” badge certifies that a business meets Stardust Startups’ set of standards for positive social and environmental impact within the areas of health, sustainability, and/or learning.
You’re a positive social and/or environmental impact entrepreneur. Show it off!
65
of companies rate “inclusive growth” as one of their top 3 goals, eclipsing strategies like “growing market share” or “being the category leader"
86
of millennials think that business success should be measured in terms of more than just financial performance
88
of consumers want companies to tell them what they are doing to operate responsibly & support important issues
90
of global consumers are likely to switch brands/companies to one associated with a good cause, given similar price and quality
Sources: Cone Communications' Global CSR 2015 Study, Deloitte’s Human Capital Trends 2018 Survey
Introducing…
The Stardust “Impact & Innovation” Badge
“Impact & Innovation” businesses balance purpose and profit. They strive to make the world a better place by incorporating people- and planet-smart choices in their products and services. The criteria for earning the badge are as follows:
This initiative has a verified positive social and environmental impact on a specific community or cause.
This initiative is ethical and does not discriminate based on ethnicity, gender, age, abilities, or beliefs.
This initiative shows innovation in solving a local/global problem related to [health, sustainability, learning] and continuously and transparently follows through with its mission.
This initiative is committed to making the world a better place.
We’re inspired by existing, successful certification organizations like B Corporation and Climate Neutral, who are leading the movement of companies and brands proudly showing off their commitments to making the world a better place.
Entrepreneurs: here’s everything the badge does for you.
Show your impact
Display your digital “Impact & Innovation” badge to your website, social media, and emails to let your clients and followers know you are dedicated to making positive social and/or environmental impact. We also send you high quality vinyl decals you can paste anywhere.
Amplify your message
Displaying the badge not only raises awareness about positive impact entrepreneurship and small business initiatives in sustainability, health, and learning, but also shows you are committed to making a difference in your community and globally.
Build relationships
When you receive the certification, you join our network of entrepreneurs where you can make meaningful connections, have access to mentorship and receive discounts on various business services.
Attract more clients
Because you are a verified business with a social and/or environmental cause for good, people will be more likely to share with friends and family. You will see a rise in your clientele and gain more supporters! See the numbers below.
Legitimize your actions
Not that your business isn’t legitimate already, but at Stardust we focus our supporting emerging projects that may not yet be seen or trusted by many people. This certification is a great way for you to "legitimize" your business practices and values by way of second opinion or testimonial from a trustworthy source.
Live your values
By having this certification, you give potential clients or followers permission to believe that your initiative is completely transparent in its practices which validates their desire to support you. As part of your branding, the badge expedites communication and spreads awareness.
Stardust Startups is a community of impact entrepreneurs and impact investors joining a global commitment to use business as a force for good.
- For entrepreneurs, the badge is a way to build and maintain high credibility, trust, and value within a business.
- For clients or consumers, the badge is a certification that they are buying in alignment with their values.
- For organizations like us and anyone else who wants to change the world, it’s one small step in the right direction.
Let’s get started!
For impact entrepreneurs who have received a Stardust Startups microgrant, the certification is free of charge. Along with an explanatory infographic, you’ll be getting the digital badge, up to 5 high quality decals, a paragraph of text that you can include on your website to explain what the badge means, and social media promo templates.
If you haven’t applied for the Stardust microgrant, you can still apply for the Impact & Innovation badge below. You will receive everything that comes with the badge as well. Feel free to contact us if you need more details!
Here’s our pricing offer for impact entrepreneurs (non-recipients).
Nonprofits
$ 100
per year- Every benefit included
- Renewable yearly (after 2nd year)
- Can become tax-deductible donation to Stardust Startups
For profits (<10)
$ 200
per year- fewer than 10 employees
- Every benefit included
- Must pay 2 years upfront
- Renewable yearly (after 2nd year)
- Can become tax-deductible donation to Stardust Startups
For profits (>10)
$ 300
per year- 10 employees or more
- Every benefit included
- Must pay 2 years upfront
- Renewable yearly (after 2nd year)
- Can become tax-deductible donation to Stardust Startups
