# How can we mainstream “win-win” business models that work for lead firms and workers post Covid-19? **URL:** \ **Category:** Rebuild Better\ **Created:** [July 2, 2020, 9:09pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/how-can-we-mainstream-win-win-business-models-that-work-for-lead-firms-and-workers-post-covid-19/2708 "2020-07-02T21:09:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 9
**Author:** ![Rebeca](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/rebeca/32/24505_2.png) [@Rebeca](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/Rebeca)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2020, 1:55pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/how-can-we-mainstream-win-win-business-models-that-work-for-lead-firms-and-workers-post-covid-19/2708/161 "2020-07-14T13:55:18Z")
**Testing new and improved ways of doing business requires a certain level of risk appetite.** Decisions however need to be informed, it is not about mere intuition. A tip is to use data at an early stage and throughout the project to help base action on reality rather than un hunches.\*\* ---
**Author:** ![KatieH](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/katieh/32/24852_2.png) [@KatieH](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/KatieH)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2020, 1:55pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/how-can-we-mainstream-win-win-business-models-that-work-for-lead-firms-and-workers-post-covid-19/2708/162 "2020-07-14T13:55:18Z")
\*\*We are moving into our final five minutes of this conversation. \*\* **As there are so many comments and thoughts. What would be the one key take away or call to action you would like to make?** ---
**Author:** ![KevinBilling](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/k/a8b319/32.png) [@KevinBilling](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/KevinBilling)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2020, 1:56pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/how-can-we-mainstream-win-win-business-models-that-work-for-lead-firms-and-workers-post-covid-19/2708/163 "2020-07-14T13:56:48Z")
Elisa - this is a common problem once the farmers / participants get a sniff that there is donor money behind a project. On BSMDP in Kenya (a DFID business service provider project) which gave grants to medium sized businesses we made all recipients keep quiet about the source of funds but ensured that the business opportunity was well advertsed and promoted. After our annual review which showed real success in a number of sub-projects we got a letter from DFID HO complaining that they were not getting sufficient publicity of their role in the program. ---
**Author:** ![Alison\_Ward](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/alison_ward/32/18143_2.png) [@Alison\_Ward](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/Alison_Ward)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2020, 1:57pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/how-can-we-mainstream-win-win-business-models-that-work-for-lead-firms-and-workers-post-covid-19/2708/164 "2020-07-14T13:57:04Z")
We believe that by driving better commitments, we can begin to move towards transformational partnerships rather than a traditional transactional approach. ---
**Author:** ![KatieH](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/katieh/32/24852_2.png) [@KatieH](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/KatieH)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2020, 1:58pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/how-can-we-mainstream-win-win-business-models-that-work-for-lead-firms-and-workers-post-covid-19/2708/165 "2020-07-14T13:58:44Z")
**Do join us for our next session, starting in 15 mins.** \*\*[World Cafe - Our Future Economy: Youth Perspectives](https://businessfightspoverty.zoom.us/j/91675973126?pwd=S3ZQV3Q3cFBFa3NESzlaY3gzTHpkQT09) \*\* **Meeting ID: 916 7597 3126** **Password: 673717** **We’ll continue with the conversation about models - this time looking at economic models. Everyone welcome to be a part of this.** ---
**Author:** ![Shinergise](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/shinergise/32/24511_2.png) [@Shinergise](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/Shinergise)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2020, 1:59pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/how-can-we-mainstream-win-win-business-models-that-work-for-lead-firms-and-workers-post-covid-19/2708/166 "2020-07-14T13:59:09Z")
Critical issue and part of the solution towards these challenges is to build financial literacy and access to affordable financial products for the BOP consumers - be they farmers, laborers, factory workers or others seen by some as “unskilled” [not a term I personally agree with by the way]. By enabling people to not only have access to decent work but also the financial savvy to BENEFIT from that decent work by avoiding loan sharks and enabling smart household financial decisions, you start to empower financial freedom and with that freedom comes the right to choose, which shifts the power balance away from the greedy rich. Companies can help strengthen this trend through ensuring that their commitment to decency is backed up by a decent commitment and investment in appropriate skills training for all employees, irrespective of their rank within the organisation. ---
**Author:** ![Rebeca](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/rebeca/32/24505_2.png) [@Rebeca](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/Rebeca)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2020, 1:59pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/how-can-we-mainstream-win-win-business-models-that-work-for-lead-firms-and-workers-post-covid-19/2708/167 "2020-07-14T13:59:55Z")
One take away is that the conversation of how to change business models is not an easy one because of the traditional view of businesses as profit makers. Customers, governments and other stakeholders should be part of the discussion, but it is ultimately a decision made by the executives of the businesses. How to influence them? ---
**Author:** ![mandelli](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/mandelli/32/24506_2.png) [@mandelli](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/mandelli)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2020, 2:00pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/how-can-we-mainstream-win-win-business-models-that-work-for-lead-firms-and-workers-post-covid-19/2708/168 "2020-07-14T14:00:09Z")
Katie, the discussion will remain open for a couple of days more right? ---
**Author:** ![KevinBilling](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/k/a8b319/32.png) [@KevinBilling](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/KevinBilling)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2020, 2:00pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/how-can-we-mainstream-win-win-business-models-that-work-for-lead-firms-and-workers-post-covid-19/2708/169 "2020-07-14T14:00:11Z")
Katie it is tough to intervene and develop value chains - there are some many variables and so many points were things can get snared. Maybe best leftto business people with a flare and local knowledge ---
**Author:** ![msievers](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/msievers/32/24499_2.png) [@msievers](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/msievers)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2020, 2:00pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/how-can-we-mainstream-win-win-business-models-that-work-for-lead-firms-and-workers-post-covid-19/2708/170 "2020-07-14T14:00:46Z")
Much labour and employment in places where poverty is prevalent is in local value chains and in service sectors (construction, restaurants, personal services, retail), more work needs to be done in those and in finding business models that make poverty reduction sustainable at that le vel ---
**Author:** ![AmaliaJohnsson](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/amaliajohnsson/32/24482_2.png) [@AmaliaJohnsson](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/AmaliaJohnsson)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2020, 2:01pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/how-can-we-mainstream-win-win-business-models-that-work-for-lead-firms-and-workers-post-covid-19/2708/171 "2020-07-14T14:01:18Z")
The phrase of the moment is “rebuild better”. Let’s not forget this as business resumes and the world - slowly - returns to normal. There is a need to look at sustainability more holistically to build resilience for the future. The market systems approach cited earlier is a key part of this, looking at the whole ecosystem of any one value chain to ensure each step is working for its participants. This is especially the case in agriculture, where coronavirus disruptions have very rapidly led to food insecurity worldwide. ---
**Author:** ![AlessandraGiacomello](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/alessandragiacomello/32/24508_2.png) [@AlessandraGiacomello](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/AlessandraGiacomello)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2020, 2:01pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/how-can-we-mainstream-win-win-business-models-that-work-for-lead-firms-and-workers-post-covid-19/2708/172 "2020-07-14T14:01:21Z")
> [@KatieH](#): > > How can we overcome these challenges and mainstream business models for decent work? What are the key leverage points within lead companies and in the policy environment to enable business models for decent work to scale? Dear Merten, I would be very keen in knowing more about VCD’s work! ---
**Author:** ![MarkHauser](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/markhauser/32/24479_2.png) [@MarkHauser](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/MarkHauser)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2020, 2:01pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/how-can-we-mainstream-win-win-business-models-that-work-for-lead-firms-and-workers-post-covid-19/2708/173 "2020-07-14T14:01:30Z")
I think the one take away / call to action is that we recognise the human experience and drivers of behaviour, across the system, ranging from shareholders to employees to farmers. If we commit to this, we can see the challenge through different perspectives, and bring people on the change journey with us, together. ---
**Author:** ![Ashleighowens](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/ashleighowens/32/24490_2.png) [@Ashleighowens](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/Ashleighowens)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2020, 2:01pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/how-can-we-mainstream-win-win-business-models-that-work-for-lead-firms-and-workers-post-covid-19/2708/174 "2020-07-14T14:01:32Z")
1. Businesses should apply the lens of **vulnerability** to examining the impact of their operations and value chain, and identify the people at most risk of negative impacts, 2. Where companies are finding that their theory of change associated with their operational-level interventions, including in the supply chain, is not working - in other words, their sustainability initiatives are not leading to real change - they should not be afraid to examine whether their business model bakes in risk to people and explore ways to mitigate this, or have the courage to transform. ---
**Author:** ![Flynn\_Lebus](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/flynn_lebus/32/24503_2.png) [@Flynn\_Lebus](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/Flynn_Lebus)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2020, 2:03pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/how-can-we-mainstream-win-win-business-models-that-work-for-lead-firms-and-workers-post-covid-19/2708/175 "2020-07-14T14:03:08Z")
When considering solutions, bring a diversity and inclusion lens - how might the experiences of men, women, people of different race or ability factor into this? ---
**Author:** ![KevinBilling](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/k/a8b319/32.png) [@KevinBilling](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/KevinBilling)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2020, 2:03pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/how-can-we-mainstream-win-win-business-models-that-work-for-lead-firms-and-workers-post-covid-19/2708/176 "2020-07-14T14:03:18Z")
There is some great stuff to digest here - but we need someone to pull it all together. ---
**Author:** ![BFP\_Moderator](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/bfp_moderator/32/24851_2.png) [@BFP\_Moderator](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/BFP_Moderator)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2020, 2:04pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/how-can-we-mainstream-win-win-business-models-that-work-for-lead-firms-and-workers-post-covid-19/2708/177 "2020-07-14T14:04:08Z")
[![Discussion_Summary](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/uploads/default/original/3X/e/9/e9678afde44ecdaec1c85c1452f8987dcc8374e1.jpeg)](https://snipbfp.org/DigitalPass2020) ---
**Author:** ![msievers](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/msievers/32/24499_2.png) [@msievers](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/msievers)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2020, 2:04pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/how-can-we-mainstream-win-win-business-models-that-work-for-lead-firms-and-workers-post-covid-19/2708/178 "2020-07-14T14:04:35Z")
Abslutely have a look at [www.ilo.org/valuechains](http://www.ilo.org/valuechains) and [www.ilo.org/thelab](http://www.ilo.org/thelab) or drop me a line at [sievers@ilo.org](mailto:sievers@ilo.org) ---
**Author:** ![Ashleighowens](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/ashleighowens/32/24490_2.png) [@Ashleighowens](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/Ashleighowens)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2020, 2:05pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/how-can-we-mainstream-win-win-business-models-that-work-for-lead-firms-and-workers-post-covid-19/2708/179 "2020-07-14T14:05:25Z")
Some European governments (Denmark, France) have shown leadership and ingenuity through the Covid-19 pandemic by linking financial support for business to responsible business practices. For example, I understand that both governments ruled out financial support to businesses that aggressively reduce their tax burdens through complex off-shore arrangements, and companies that engage in share buy-back schemes to artificially inflate the company share price. Perhaps governments could extend such financial support, making it contingent on businesses disclosing certain information (e.g. human rights due diligence) and/or paying a living wage to all workers through their supply chain. ---
**Author:** ![Flynn\_Lebus](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/user_avatar/forum.businessfightspoverty.org/flynn_lebus/32/24503_2.png) [@Flynn\_Lebus](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/u/Flynn_Lebus)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2020, 2:06pm UTC](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/how-can-we-mainstream-win-win-business-models-that-work-for-lead-firms-and-workers-post-covid-19/2708/180 "2020-07-14T14:06:04Z")
We need to start thinking about collective action - see: How Global Leaders Should Think About Solving Our Biggest Problems]([https://www.fsg.org/blog/how-global-leaders-should-think-about-solving-our-biggest-problems](https://www.fsg.org/blog/how-global-leaders-should-think-about-solving-our-biggest-problems) [Previous page](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/how-can-we-mainstream-win-win-business-models-that-work-for-lead-firms-and-workers-post-covid-19/2708.md?page=8) [Next page](https://forum.businessfightspoverty.org/t/how-can-we-mainstream-win-win-business-models-that-work-for-lead-firms-and-workers-post-covid-19/2708.md?page=10)