Impact Advisory
Growthink IMPACT is our advisory specialty practice that serves companies and organizations worldwide seeking to develop strategies that support their mission, drive growth, and maximize their organizational reach and impact.
Our Focus Area
Our team of experts deeply understands the challenges and opportunities facing impact-driven initiatives.
Our approach is grounded in data-driven insights, best practices from notably impactful companies, and our deep understanding of the impact investment ecosystem (private and public capital, foundational grants, subsidies, etc.).
Whether you’re a pre-seed startup or an established organization looking to scale, we have the expertise to help you achieve your goals. With a proven track record of success, we are confident in our ability to deliver results.
Let us help you turn your vision into a reality.
Our focus areas include:
Strategy development for advancing social change in nonprofits, B-corps, and mission-driven private firms
Integration of impact best practices into core business operations
Capital raising preparation and support, aligned with Impact Investor criteria
Growth and exit strategy planning and execution support
Select Impact Engagements
Impact-Aligned Fees
At Growthink Impact, we align our goals with our clients’ by deferring a portion of our fees to the clients’ achievement of relevant metrics. This means that our success is directly tied to the success of our clients.
When we engage with new clients, we work with them to define specific, measurable Social and Environmental and / or Governance factors that align with their mission and impact goals, including:
- Procurement of grants and subsidies from governments and foundations
- More sustainable product development and delivery
- Job creation for traditionally disadvantaged groups
- Energy / carbon emissions reduction
- Access to education and healthcare
- Partnerships with sustainable stakeholders
- Achievement of quality certifications.
Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals
Once relevant metrics and KPIs are established, a portion of our fees is deferred until the target is achieved. This aligns our interests with those of our clients, ensuring that we are both focused on delivering meaningful impact.
At Growthink Impact, we believe that this approach creates a true, long-term partnership between our firm and our clients, and it allows us to focus on what matters most: delivering results that drive growth and impact.
CLIENT SUCCESS STORIES
CFO COALITION FOR THE SDGS: is an initiative of the United Nations Global Compact launched in 2019 to engage global CFOs to align corporate investments and finance with the SDGs (UN Sustainable Development Goals)
SCOPE: Growthink was engaged to work with the leadership team to create the 2023-2025 strategic plan. The engagement involved research on best practices, interviews with CFOs of global corporations, and redesign of its operating model.
IMPACT: The 2023 strategy was approved by Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations Global Compact Sanda Ojiambo and the Coalition’s Board, bringing additional focus to the initiative within the United Nations. The team can now leverage a tangible strategic plan as a roadmap and execution tool as the Coalition expands its reach.
CLIENT SUCCESS STORIES
SCORE : Founded in 1964, SCORE Association is the SBA’s free- and low-cost mentoring program for small business owners in the United States. Each year SCORE helps more than 120,000 entrepreneurs add jobs and sales to the U.S. economy.
SCOPE: Growthink worked with SCORE’s Executive Leadership Team to complete a study – inclusive of primary and secondary research- to identify how SCORE could better design programs and services while reaching more clients.
IMPACT: Growthink helped SCORE reimagine client segmentation through the lens of the business stage and developed recommendations on one-to-many service offerings suitable for each segment.
CLIENT SUCCESS STORIES
BETTER WORLD SYSTEMS : is an information communication technology B-Corp based in Accra, Ghana specializing in developing management information systems for humanitarian programs, government agencies, and organizations that advance sustainable global development goals. Bewsys is a certified B-Corp.
SCOPE: Growthink was engaged to develop the full business plan to serve as an internal roadmap as the company re-aligned its business model and team’s roles to the growth objectives.
IMPACT: The attribution of measurable metrics to both financial and non-financial objectives established an essential framework and accountability system for Bewsys to effectively pursue its growth objectives. Bewsys’ projects include the United Nations Development Programme, UNICEF, USAID and the World Bank..
CLIENT SUCCESS STORIES
ROSIE’S GROCERY CO-OP : is a grocery cooperative aiming to improve access to quality food in LILA Communities, where 39 million Americans live. The project is supported by the National Co+op Grocers (NCG) and Georgetown Law’s Coalition for Racial Equity and Democratic Economy (CREDE).
SCOPE: Growthink was engaged to evaluate the market potential, prioritize locations for the initial roll-out, confirm the organizational structure, and stress test the business model. Growthink also assisted Georgetown Law and NCG in the preparation of the fundraising documents.
IMPACT: As Company plans to introduce 5 locations in D.C., the anticipated Social & Economic Impact includes Reduction of Food Deserts, Creation of 100+ Jobs at Competitive Wages, Improvement in Health Outcomes in LILA districts, Promotion of Social Cohesion through work & community ownership
CLIENT SUCCESS STORIES
GOODWILL INDUSTRIES : With over 165 thrift stores across the U.S. and Canada, Goodwill Industries International provides job training, employment placement services, and other community-based programs for people who have barriers preventing them from otherwise obtaining a job, including veterans and those who lack education.
SCOPE: Growthink created the strategic plan for Goodwill’s e-commerce initiative Shop Goodwill.
IMPACT: Thanks to the partnership with Give Back Box and the shift in the brick & mortar operations, Goodwill now channels a relevant portion of its donations to the online distribution.
CLIENT SUCCESS STORIES
The National Housing Compliance is a 501c (4) corporation created by its member agencies to conduct performance-based contract administration for the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, as well as provide professional services to the affordable housing industry.
SCOPE: NHC hired Growthink to innovate: introduce new processes or services to affect positive change in business. Intended outcomes are to create value, boost growth & reduce risk.
IMPACT: Growthink assessed NHC’s 7 current capabilities as well as explored services diversification. Growthink’s recommendations addressed all key areas including the Innovation Project, Staffing & Professional Development, Marketing & Business Development, Content & Branding and Culture. Growthink then developed an 18-month roadmap for execution.
CLIENT SUCCESS STORIES
SEAMFIX is a mission-driven software developer of identity management solutions that empower people in Africa to obtain equal access to online and offline opportunities.
SCOPE: Growthink was engaged to explore market dynamics, where Seamfix fits in the market, and its growth potential; to capture its vision; outline its go-to-market strategy; align key personnel around shared goals; and boost its ability to achieve milestones and raise capital.
IMPACT: The entire team is aligned on growth objectives, each “owning” the strategic plan as a joint mission; Seamfix re-positioned its services into 3 consolidated products to target key client groups; leadership has clarity on capital requirements. Growthink introduced selected parties in 2023, which resulted in a $4.5M minority investment by Alitheia Investment Fund in April 2024.
CLIENT SUCCESS STORIES
SAN DIEGO FOOD BANK (SDFB) is a nonprofit organization leading San Diego County’s charitable food network. It provides monthly meals to over 400,000 people struggling with food and nutrition insecurity, advocates for the hungry, connects people to health and human services, and educates the public about hunger.
SCOPE: Growthink helped SDFB build a roadmap to double its distribution capacity over 10 years, allowing it to meet 100% of the projected need of San Diego County citizens. The project involved analyzing its facility utilization, assessing current activities, and building a comprehensive financial plan to acquire a 200 sq ft facility.
IMPACT: SDFB located and secured a new warehouse facility to remodel and open by 2026. The organization has an actionable plan to finance this new facility via capital reserves, a capital campaign, and bank loans.
CLIENT SUCCESS STORIES
ENVIRONMENTAL INNOVATIONS is a certified B Corp dedicated to helping businesses, institutions, local governments, nonprofits, and individuals innovate beyond the status quo towards more equitable and sustainable solutions that benefit people, planet, and profit.
SCOPE: Growthink was engaged to rethink the next 5 years of their growth and expanding the 20 years practice into the private sector. This process involved the analysis of different opportunities and then the development of a 5-year strategic roadmap.
IMPACT: Growthink designed a growth plan for Environmental Innovations to grow 3.5x times, diversifying their business with 3 new revenue streams: 1) Private Business Sustainability Consulting Practice, 2) B2B Online Sustainability Directory, 3) Green Reporting Subscription Platform.
CLIENT SUCCESS STORIES
SAN JOAQUIN AQUATIC CENTER is a San Joaquin Community Foundation (SJCF) project that will provide San Joaquin County residents with access to various services, such as boat rentals, a pool, a gym with strength and indoor rowing machines, indoor and outdoor water classes, educational tours, room rentals, and a café.
SCOPE: Growthink was engaged to conduct market research and develop a unique financial model comparing three business model scenarios: 1) full range of services, managed by an internal team; 2) limited range of services, managed by an internal team; and 3) full range of services, managed by an outsourced team.
IMPACT: SJCF is equipped with a roadmap to guide the organization in building its aquatic center.
Why Now?
These organizations often lack dedicated skills, resources, and actionability.
Having social impact initiatives and sustainable practices at the core of the organization is not enough if the company is unable to reach scale and relevance
Impact investing as a sector has been a growing field over the span of the last few years. 2022 further intensified the growth of impact investment due to the venture of more mainstream investors in the market along with explosive growth in climate change finance. The GIIN estimates the size of the worldwide impact investing market to be $1.164 trillion, marking the first time that the organization’s widely-cited estimate has topped the $1 trillion mark.
While impact investing in the past was perceived as a niche market, investors are now witnessing a landslide happening as private bankers and asset managers are focusing on how to incorporate things jointly to generate net positive investments.
Traditionally, economic growth has been associated with negative social and environmental impacts such as pollution, inequality, and depletion of natural resources. However, over the years, there has been a growing realization that sustainable economic growth is only possible if it also takes into account positive social and environmental impact.
Businesses have come to understand that a positive impact on society and the environment can actually drive economic growth. For instance, companies that prioritize sustainability practices may attract a larger customer base who are interested in supporting environmentally and socially responsible businesses. Similarly, companies that invest in their employees’ well-being and development often see higher productivity and innovation, which can lead to increased profits.
By prioritizing these areas, businesses and other organizations can establish a virtuous cycle that supports both sustainable growth and a positive impact on society and the environment.
Growthink Impact Consultants
Our team specializes in providing solutions tailored to your goals, whether it’s the development of an actionable growth strategy, the introduction of a product that can end plastic waste, the integration of sustainability best practices in the core business, the preparation for a transaction – or simply the need for a pragmatic team to roll up their sleeves and support every step of the way. We believe that by working together, we can create a better future for your organization and all of its stakeholders.
