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Checklist · B Corp and Impact

B Corp and Impact fundraising checklist — Step by Step 2026

Securing funding for B Corps and impact-driven startups requires a tailored approach that resonates with investors focused on social and environmental impact. This checklist guides you through each critical phase, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities in the B Corp and Impact fundraising landscape. From leveraging your B Impact Assessment to showcasing your commitment to stakeholders, this resource helps you attract mission-aligned capital.

50 checklist items Updated from migrated LaunchTry SEO content

Phase 01

Preparation & Assessment

10 tasks
  • 1.1
    critical1 week

    Assess B Impact Assessment score and identify areas for improvement.

    Use the B Impact Assessment to benchmark your company's social and environmental performance. Identify gaps and prioritize improvements to enhance your appeal to impact investors.

  • 1.2
    critical1 week

    Define your impact thesis and theory of change.

    Clearly articulate the social or environmental problem you are addressing and how your business model contributes to its solution. This forms the foundation of your impact story.

  • 1.3
    high0.5 week

    Determine your capital needs and ideal investor profile.

    Calculate the amount of funding required to achieve your impact goals and identify investors who align with your mission, values, and desired impact metrics. Consider platforms like Toniic or ImpactAssets.

  • 1.4
    high2 weeks

    Develop a comprehensive business plan highlighting impact metrics.

    Create a business plan that integrates financial projections with key performance indicators (KPIs) related to your social and environmental impact. Showcase your commitment to transparency and accountability.

  • 1.5
    high1 week

    Prepare a compelling pitch deck tailored to impact investors.

    Craft a pitch deck that emphasizes your impact story, business model, and financial projections. Highlight your B Corp certification and commitment to stakeholder governance.

  • 1.6
    medium1 week

    Research and identify potential impact investors.

    Explore impact investing networks, databases, and platforms to identify investors who align with your mission, sector, and geography. Utilize resources like the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN).

  • 1.7
    medium1 week

    Refine financial model to reflect blended value creation.

    Ensure your financial model accurately reflects both financial returns and social/environmental impact, demonstrating the blended value creation of your business.

  • 1.8
    medium1 week

    Establish a data tracking system for impact metrics.

    Implement a system to collect, track, and report on key impact metrics. This will enable you to demonstrate your progress to investors and stakeholders.

  • 1.9
    low0.5 week

    Prepare a detailed use of funds plan aligned with impact goals.

    Outline how the funds will be used to achieve specific impact objectives, demonstrating a clear link between investment and social/environmental outcomes.

  • 1.10
    low0.5 week

    Engage with B Lab for support and resources.

    Leverage B Lab's resources, including webinars, workshops, and consulting services, to strengthen your B Corp certification and impact strategy.

Phase 02

Outreach & Networking

10 tasks
  • 2.1
    high1 week

    Attend impact investing conferences and events.

    Participate in industry events like SOCAP or GIIN Investor Forum to network with potential investors and learn about emerging trends in impact investing.

  • 2.2
    high0.5 week

    Leverage your network to connect with impact investors.

    Reach out to your existing network to identify potential connections to impact investors. Utilize LinkedIn and other professional platforms to expand your reach.

  • 2.3
    high1 week

    Tailor your pitch to each investor's specific interests.

    Customize your pitch deck and communication to highlight the aspects of your business and impact that resonate most with each investor's investment thesis.

  • 2.4
    medium1 week

    Prepare for due diligence by gathering relevant documents.

    Anticipate the due diligence process and gather necessary documents, including financial statements, impact reports, and legal agreements.

  • 2.5
    medium0.5 week

    Create a concise executive summary highlighting impact achievements.

    Develop a brief executive summary that captures your key impact achievements and financial performance. This will serve as an effective introduction to your business.

  • 2.6
    medium0.5 week

    Utilize online platforms to showcase your impact.

    Create a profile on platforms like B Corporation's website and ImpactSpace to increase visibility among impact investors.

  • 2.7
    medium1 week

    Engage with impact investing funds and angel networks.

    Contact impact investing funds and angel networks directly to introduce your business and explore potential funding opportunities.

  • 2.8
    low0.5 week

    Develop relationships with impact-focused consultants and advisors.

    Partner with consultants and advisors who specialize in impact investing to gain insights, guidance, and access to their networks.

  • 2.9
    low0.5 week

    Monitor industry news and trends to identify potential opportunities.

    Stay informed about the latest developments in impact investing, including new funds, investment strategies, and policy changes.

  • 2.10
    low0.5 week

    Request introductions from existing investors or advisors.

    Leverage your existing relationships to request introductions to potential impact investors or advisors who can facilitate connections.

Phase 03

Due Diligence & Negotiation

10 tasks
  • 3.1
    critical1 week

    Provide requested documentation promptly and accurately.

    Respond to investor requests for information and documentation in a timely and accurate manner, demonstrating transparency and professionalism.

  • 3.2
    critical1 week

    Address investor concerns and questions thoroughly.

    Address investor questions and concerns regarding your business model, impact metrics, and financial projections with clear and concise explanations.

  • 3.3
    high1 week

    Negotiate term sheet provisions that align with your impact goals.

    Negotiate term sheet provisions related to impact measurement, reporting, and governance to ensure alignment with your mission and values.

  • 3.4
    high0.5 week

    Engage legal counsel with expertise in impact investing.

    Seek legal counsel with experience in impact investing to ensure that the investment agreement protects your interests and aligns with your impact objectives.

  • 3.5
    medium0.5 week

    Prepare for site visits and interviews with management.

    Prepare for site visits and interviews with management by organizing relevant information, training staff, and anticipating investor questions.

  • 3.6
    medium1 week

    Conduct a thorough review of the investment agreement.

    Carefully review the investment agreement with your legal counsel to ensure that all terms and conditions are clearly understood and acceptable.

  • 3.7
    medium0.5 week

    Assess the investor's track record and reputation in impact investing.

    Research the investor's track record and reputation in impact investing to ensure that they are aligned with your values and have a proven commitment to impact.

  • 3.8
    low0.5 week

    Clarify reporting requirements and communication protocols.

    Establish clear reporting requirements and communication protocols with the investor to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the investment period.

  • 3.9
    low0.5 week

    Understand investor expectations regarding exit strategies.

    Discuss investor expectations regarding exit strategies and ensure that they are aligned with your long-term vision for the business and its impact.

  • 3.10
    low0.5 week

    Evaluate potential conflicts of interest and governance implications.

    Assess potential conflicts of interest and governance implications arising from the investment, and implement measures to mitigate risks.

Phase 04

Closing & Onboarding

10 tasks
  • 4.1
    critical1 week

    Finalize legal documentation and complete the closing process.

    Work with your legal counsel to finalize all legal documentation and complete the closing process efficiently and accurately.

  • 4.2
    high0.5 week

    Communicate the investment to your team and stakeholders.

    Communicate the investment to your team and stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of their contributions to the company's success and impact.

  • 4.3
    high0.5 week

    Onboard the investor and establish communication channels.

    Onboard the investor by providing them with relevant information about your business, impact strategy, and reporting procedures. Establish clear communication channels for ongoing updates and feedback.

  • 4.4
    medium0.5 week

    Update your governance structure to reflect investor representation.

    Update your governance structure to reflect investor representation on your board or advisory committee, ensuring their active involvement in strategic decision-making.

  • 4.5
    medium1 week

    Develop a detailed implementation plan for use of funds.

    Develop a detailed implementation plan outlining how the funds will be used to achieve specific impact objectives, with clear timelines and milestones.

  • 4.6
    medium1 week

    Establish a system for tracking and reporting impact metrics.

    Implement a system for tracking and reporting impact metrics, ensuring that you can accurately measure and communicate your progress to investors and stakeholders.

  • 4.7
    low0.5 week

    Engage with the investor to refine your impact strategy.

    Engage with the investor to refine your impact strategy, incorporating their insights and expertise to maximize your social and environmental impact.

  • 4.8
    low0.5 week

    Celebrate the investment with your team and stakeholders.

    Celebrate the investment with your team and stakeholders, recognizing their contributions to the company's success and reinforcing your commitment to your mission.

  • 4.9
    low0.5 week

    Review and update your business plan to reflect new funding.

    Review and update your business plan to reflect the new funding, adjusting your financial projections and impact goals accordingly.

  • 4.10
    low0.5 week

    Monitor progress and adapt your strategy as needed.

    Continuously monitor your progress towards your impact goals and adapt your strategy as needed to ensure that you are maximizing your social and environmental impact.

Phase 05

Post-Investment Management

10 tasks
  • 5.1
    critical0.5 week

    Regularly report on financial and impact performance.

    Provide regular reports to investors on your financial and impact performance, demonstrating transparency and accountability.

  • 5.2
    high0.5 week

    Maintain open communication with investors.

    Maintain open communication with investors, providing updates on your progress, challenges, and opportunities.

  • 5.3
    high0.5 week

    Seek investor guidance and support.

    Seek investor guidance and support on strategic decisions, operational challenges, and impact initiatives.

  • 5.4
    medium1 week

    Continuously improve your impact measurement and reporting.

    Continuously improve your impact measurement and reporting methodologies to ensure that you are accurately capturing and communicating your social and environmental impact.

  • 5.5
    medium0.5 week

    Engage with the impact investing community.

    Engage with the impact investing community by sharing your experiences, insights, and best practices.

  • 5.6
    medium0.5 week

    Track and analyze impact data to inform decision-making.

    Use impact data to inform decision-making, optimizing your business model and operations to maximize your social and environmental impact.

  • 5.7
    low1 week

    Prepare for subsequent funding rounds or exit strategies.

    Prepare for subsequent funding rounds or exit strategies by building a strong track record of financial and impact performance.

  • 5.8
    low0.5 week

    Document lessons learned and best practices.

    Document lessons learned and best practices throughout the investment period to inform future fundraising efforts and impact initiatives.

  • 5.9
    low0.5 week

    Evaluate the investor's contribution to your impact goals.

    Evaluate the investor's contribution to your impact goals, assessing their engagement, support, and alignment with your mission.

  • 5.10
    low0.5 week

    Maintain B Corp certification and stakeholder engagement.

    Maintain your B Corp certification and actively engage with your stakeholders to reinforce your commitment to social and environmental responsibility.

Pro tips

  • Focus on demonstrating measurable impact alongside financial returns to attract mission-aligned investors.
  • Highlight your B Corp certification and commitment to stakeholder governance to differentiate yourself from traditional startups.
  • Leverage the B Impact Assessment to identify areas for improvement and showcase your progress to investors.
  • Engage with the impact investing community to build relationships and gain access to funding opportunities.
  • Tailor your pitch and communication to each investor's specific interests and investment thesis.