Integrating environmental and social Impact into business models for profitability
Impact Consulting
With 14 years of experience, I champion the integration of ethical and sustainable practices into business models and strategy. My approach is deeply rooted in the belief that businesses have a fundamental responsibility to drive positive change in society and the environment while achieving profitability.
Founder, Jessica Bonin
Having founded, scaled, and managed an award-winning, women-led sustainable Agri-processing company, I have a first-hand experience of the power of business to effect social and environmental change. My varied industry experience spans agribusiness, FMCG, sustainable architecture, adaptive heritage reuse, nature-based innovation, carbon reduction, and circular economies. In addition to my entrepreneurial achievements, which include securing three rounds of funding from Impact Investors, HIVOS, and being awarded “Female Entrepreneur of the Year in Agri-processing” by the South African government, my consulting work has been marked by a commitment to aligning values with profits.
Portfolio
The Castle of Olsene
An impact blueprint and management plan for the famous heritage-protected Castle of Olsene and its 17-hectare landscape in Belgium. This vision reimagines human engagement with nature, energy, water and community. This plan integrates various innovative nature-based solutions and policy goals with contributions from leading industry experts, The Department of Nature and the University of Ghent.
Grounded Ingredients
The development of market and sales strategies, establishing reach in European markets and securing high-value contracts. This involved a strategic analysis to identify and pursue strategic opportunities, commercial relationships, and new markets for products in line with impact goals. Grounded Ingredients focuses on sourcing high-value ingredients for brands invested in responsible sourcing.
Cindy Poole Glass
The formulation of a business strategy that improved lead generation, increased sales channels, and tackled operational efficiency. In addition, a marketing strategy was developed to communicate the company’s impact. These combined efforts successfully increased sales and created investor readiness. CPG transforms glass waste into revalued creations, artworks and environmental solutions.
Me & Me Brew
The creation of an impact business model that integrates regenerative agriculture and sustainability practices across the value chain. This included sourcing, negotiations, logistics, contracts and distribution models. A sales strategy was developed alongside a detailed, sustainability-focused marketing plan and materials. Me & Me Brew is an Australian tea company supporting regenerative small-holders.
Green Bin Composting
Strategically developed the business and impact model, focusing on its vision, mission, financial models, market analysis, sales channels, operational efficiency, and certifications. Additionally, the creation of a business plan and pitch deck for investor readiness. The Green Bin Composting Co. pioneers vermicomposting and vermiculture technology for improved waste management and regenerative agriculture.
Farmylife
Developed the business model, business plan and pitch deck for a high-end sustainable housing project in Berkeley, California. This ensured strategic alignment for investor readiness, a thorough market analysis, vision and mission development, impact and business model, as well as marketing strategy. Farmylife makes net zero living possible through fully sustainable housing developments that are community-focused.
SEED South Africa NPO
The strategic development and integration of an impact model to increase market access, brand development and operational efficiency. This included increasing sales, lead generation, and partnerships. This resulted in improved budgets, increased sales, widespread brand awareness, marketing strategies, reduced operational costs and cost of sales. Easy Peasy Seedlings was a sub-section of SEED, focusing on heirloom seedlings for food security.
Nude Foods
Refining the company’s strategy in line with planned expansions across various channels. The focus was on defining short-, medium- and long-term vision and goals, including re-establishing core values. Within this, establishing structures around staffing, logistics, and operations, as well as improving their business model and impact case. NUDE FOODS offers locally-produced foods and products that are plastic-free, organic and non-GMO.
Unilever
Staff training in the tea category was conducted to help the various teams, brands and organisation refine their understanding of the consumer market and their various tea categories. The company had recently introduced speciality categories and was looking to improve its reach and access to alternative high-end markets. Unilever owns over 12 tea brands across various lower LSMs, their goal was to reach a more discerning tea drinker.
Lady Bonin’s Tea
Established South Africa’s pioneering sustainable tea brand, advancing from the country’s first Food Truck to its first Tea Bar, culminating in an ISO22000 and Organic certified Agri-processing enterprise. The company was part of Impact Amplifier’s first cohort of South African Impact Businesses, raising three rounds of funding from HIVOS Food & Lifestyle Fund. It focused on sustainable agribusiness, rural and community development, women empowerment, market linkages as well as smallholder development, inclusion, and advancement, winning several awards for its achievements.