Impact Categorization

UPDATED:DECEMBER 8, 2022

In our efforts to understand how our partner businesses' operations and mission align with our own, we ask a series of "Yes"/"No" questions as part of our Walden Impact Assessment. Below, you'll find some contextual information about the questions presented.

Definitions and Explanations

Question Further Explanation
Are you owner-operated? Is your business owned by the same individuals or legal entity that operates the business?
Do you have a local or regional focus? Does your business have a specific local or regional emphasis? “Local or regional emphasis” can be operational (ex. relating to sourcing) or marketing (ex. Local distribution to end consumers). May take different shapes for B2C versus B2B businesses.
Have any sustainability certifications? Has your business already received sustainability-related certifications? Relevant certifications will vary by segment (ex. Different for production farms versus food retail brands).
Feature a renewable or sustainable business model? Do your business’ core activities involve the renewal or recycling of previously used materials - or the processing of renewable inputs? Is the core business model otherwise social or financially sustainable? Examples may include upcycling food waste for alternate purposes, and developing or servicing alternative energy infrastructure.
Owned or operatated by historically under-represented individuals? Is your business owned and/or operated by individuals from historically under-represented communities? Examples may include representation from BIPOC, LGBTQ, or disability communities - as well as women and non-binary owners or operators.
Is a social or environmental cause your primary reason for existing? Is your business’ primary purpose (i.e. reason for existing) a particular social or environmental mission? Examples could include employing people from a historically disadvantaged community, or the sustainable production of a good or service.
Serve or operate within a disadvantaged geographic area? Does your business serve a specific geographic area that faces structural economic, environmental, or social challenges? Examples of relevant challenges may be operating and/or serving low-income or rural areas, or serving areas characterized as “food deserts” (as defined by USDA) where food access is limited. To qualify for “Yes”, prospect business’ core operations or service area must include the disadvantaged geography.
Can you confirm you're not causing active harm? Is your business actively creating harm - either social or environmental - through its ongoing operations? Examples could include abuse or exploitation of workers, or environmental practices that cause unacceptable negative impact.