Triple Bottom Line

I'm currently planning a conference at MIT to engage student innovators in developing a business development plan for an entrepreneurial company with a focus on the triple bottom line - fiscal, environmental, and social benefits and accountability.

The concept of the triple bottom line has always fascinated me. I first came across it in my work in the corporate philanthropy department of a Canadian corporation. More and more large corporations are focusing on the triple bottom line, which is encouraging. The United Nations has even created the Global Compact, which sets out guidelines for establishing the triple bottom line.

I am very excited to be part of an initiative that helps start-up enterprises to focus on the triple bottom line from the outset, particularly because the Global Compact does not admit companies that have fewer than ten employees. My thoughts: foster the start-ups and educate young entrepreneurs about starting enterprises that benefit the world. Perhaps the triple bottom line will be come the only bottom line for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and managers.