Working with Business: From First Partnerships to Real Impact
Event Description
The role of business in social and environmental impact is evolving rapidly. Companies are no longer seen only as funders, but as partners, operators, and system actors with the ability to influence markets, supply chains, and policy.
This discussion explores how to build meaningful, effective partnerships with the private sector, from landing a first corporate partner to designing collaborations that create shared value over time. What does real corporate engagement look like beyond CSR and performative ESG? How can nonprofits and social innovators tap into the full range of corporate assets, from expertise and technology to distribution and influence?
We will also examine the growing expectations on businesses to act responsibly, from corporate accountability to integrating sustainability into core strategy. Drawing on practical examples, the session will explore how to align incentives, build resilient partnerships, and ensure that collaborations between business and the social sector lead to genuine, measurable impact.
Speakers
Abhinav Khanal is Co-Founder of Bean Voyage and Little Big Fund, supporting women coffee farmers and early-stage social impact leaders.
Kelsi Kriitmaa is Founder of Kriitmaa Coaching & Consulting, advising on strategy, philanthropy, and systems change.
Laura Herman is Partner and Global Lead for Responsible Business Practice at Dalberg Advisors, working at the intersection of gender, health, and corporate impact.
Martin Burt is CEO and Founder of The Poverty Stoplight, advancing multidimensional approaches to poverty reduction globally.
Discussion Questions
What does it take to secure and build a strong first corporate partnership?
How can organizations move from transactional relationships to deeper, strategic collaboration with businesses?
What does meaningful corporate accountability look like in practice, beyond ESG commitments?
How can private sector capabilities be better leveraged to support systems change and development goals?
Location & access
Accessibility matters deeply to us, and we do our best to choose spaces that reflect that. That said, some of our Oxford venues are in historic buildings without lifts. This room is unfortunately not accessible for wheelchair users, those with mobility challenges, or anyone needing step-free access.