COMMUNICATIONS ACCELERATOR ATTRACTS CLIMATE AND SOCIAL IMPACT ENTREPRENEURS

We were delighted by the sheer number of sustainable ventures that applied to the Cherish Communications Accelerator programme at the end of last year. Over 55% of the applications were from entrepreneurs with climate, sustainability or social impact at the very heart of their business models. From Africa to Europe and Australia, these founders truly believe in solutions for a fairer, cleaner and better planet.  

Over the past decade, entrepreneurship has changed beyond recognition. Far from the days when a successful entrepreneur touted a product that would “make millions”, today’s pitches are more likely to “save millions”. These are compelling ideas and businesses that will solve the world’s major problems.  

Entrepreneurs starting their businesses today are not only developing products that make a positive impact, but they’re also building their operational fabric around being a force for good. The brilliant rise of B Corp has meant that there is a genuine kitemark for structuring a considerate organisation with a leadership that believes in driving positive change across its supply chain. 

In business like nature, it’s never a straight path. For these young companies, the tests will come when their business seems to be moving away from its destination. It’s then that organisations may choose the supplier that’s cheaper over the one that’s more sustainable, the less diverse hire, or letting lapse that social responsibility initiative. All businesses face these moments but entrepreneurs are driven by their passion for their idea, and it’s perhaps this single-mindedness that will keep them steadfast and take them further forward than any politician playing the popularity game.  

We’ve now completed the review of applications for the 2024 Communications Accelerator programme. We’ve notified the successful organisation and in the next week, when the housekeeping is all done, we’ll be sharing which bright and brilliant young innovator we will be helping. We’re really excited to be sharing their story with the world. We’ll be keeping our doors open to all of those companies who didn’t make it to the final stages because being an entrepreneur can be pretty lonely, but we’ll be there when they need us to make change happen. 

And if you are a sustainable venture looking for a team of communications experts dedicated to helping companies solve the world’s biggest problems, check out our sister agency, Wilful.