What the Project Is
Blackrock Consulting is working toward a better St. Louis by fostering sustainability, community impact, and innovative small business solutions. The firm gained local prominence when Executive Director and Principal, Lisa Cagle, was named one of the Top 100 St. Louisans You Should Know to Succeed in Business. The recognition, announced in the April 2022 edition of St. Louis Small Business Monthly, highlights a team that takes concrete steps every day to help others succeed. With over a decade of non-profit and government experience in the region and nearly two decades of expertise in sustainability and sustainable development, Blackrock Consulting redefines accountability and forward-thinking in business practices… all while keeping a community-first focus.
Main Benefit of the Project
Blackrock Consulting provides a diverse array of benefits to small businesses and the larger community. Notable figures and facts include:
- Lisa Cagle’s accolade as one of the Top 100 St. Louisans, recognizing impactful leadership.
- Decade-long expertise in non-profit and government sectors across the St. Louis region.
- Nearly 20 years of experience in sustainability and sustainable development processes.
- Coordination of Grow Solar St. Louis – a residential rooftop solar group-buy and educational program.
- Active involvement in the Green Business Challenge and curriculum creation for Missouri Green Schools.
Sustainability and Social Stewardship Initiatives
Over the past three years, Blackrock Consulting has largely concentrated on sustainability projects in partnership with environmental and social justice organizations. Projects have ranged from facilitating environmental justice trainings for groups like earthday365’s board and the US Green Building Council Missouri Gateway Chapter’s board, to assisting earthday365 with their Green Dining Alliance program. Efforts to improve business practices have included completing a Greenhouse Gas Inventory, organizing employee service days with earthday365, and installing on-site renewables such as solar power at home offices. The organization’s journey toward Certified B Corporation status – already achieved in December 2021 – confirms a commitment to ethical business operations that account for environmental impacts… and social stewardship.
Environmental and Social Justice Focus
At its core, Blackrock Consulting is driven by a passion for environmental justice and sustainable development. The individuals behind the firm have long embraced sustainable practices themselves, from gardening with native plants and recycling to advocating for renewable energy and public transportation. Early recognition of gaps during the pandemic spurred the decision to do even more as a business, expanding their impact to include the certification process for B Corporations. This assessment, which covers internal governance, worker treatment, community impact, environmental impact, and customer service approaches, has provided a valuable baseline for tracking and improving both social and environmental practices.
Business Resilience and COVID-19 Relief Efforts
Blackrock Consulting has also taken steps to ensure that local small businesses and workers are prepared for unforeseen challenges. A practical guide to COVID-19 relief is available to help St. Louis business owners, self-employed workers, and employees navigate through turbulent times. Through initiatives inspired by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) alongside complementary federal, state, and local legislations, essential resources have been made accessible to those in need. This guide offers general guidelines intended to educate on the options available – though it is, of course, not legal advice. Local business communities can lean on these resources to secure financial support and plan for more resilient futures.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – with efforts such as installing solar power for renewable energy.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – through contributing to local infrastructure and small business growth.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – by promoting recycling and sustainable practices.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – via greenhouse gas inventories and commitment to offsetting carbon emissions.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – by participating in networks like the St. Louis Green Business Challenge.
Future Pathways in Sustainability and Business Innovation
The journey toward elevated environmental and social accountability continues to drive the vision of Blackrock Consulting. Their participation in programs like the St. Louis Green Business Challenge and B Corporation certification reflects a dynamic commitment to leadership in sustainable business. Even as challenges arise, the solutions remain innovative and cost-effective for small businesses across the region – a testament to the firm’s tenacity and forward-thinking approach. Dedicated professionals continuously explore better ways to integrate research and policy analysis with public health, expertise in the built environment, and community education. This holistic, inclusive approach ensures that the social and environmental impact of business is measured, improved, and celebrated. Future endeavors remain promising, hinting at more collaborative and resilient local economic growth, and ultimately, a healthier planet for everyone.
