Change Makers

Despite being an environmental leader in its own right, clothing giant Patagonia wants to support others to make a positive difference in the world. It recently announced an initiative called $20 Million & Change, which will invest in startups working across the areas of food, clothing, energy and waste. The company is planning to invest anywhere from $500,000 to $5 million in each company, but the new ventures won’t just get dollars, they’ll also benefit from advice and access to Patagonia’s huge distribution network. It’s all part of a bigger restructure which sees Patagonia and its other businesses coming under a hew holding company, Patagonia Works, which is dedicated to helping companies face and address the environmental crisis. Founder Yvon Chouinard says he hopes this will help to change the way business is done!