If there is one positive thing out of the coronavirus pandemic is the many acts of generosity, creativity and “responsible capitalism” that entrepreneurs and companies in Italy and around the world are showing.

From start-uppers who have found creative solutions to hospitals’ problems; to companies that have pivoted their production lines to make masks, ventilators, hand-sanitizers and other pandemic essentials; to companies and entrepreneurs who have shown big generosity; to scientists, doctors and pharma companies that are sharing information and test results around the world in order to find a vaccine as soon as possible – there are several other examples of how, each day, the private sector is having a social impact and showing a sense of purpose and is contributing to our communities and to this humanitarian, social and economic crisis.

I would also like to contribute!

Goal of Artisans of Taste has always been to promote and empower sustainable companies in the food sector that have an impact on our planet and our health through what they do or how they do things. Before this crisis, I focused on organizing “live” events and educational trips so to tell stories and connect those sustainable producers and entrepreneurs with conscious consumers.

Now we can’t travel anymore. Therefore, my goal is to bring everything online and use my blog as a hub where I keep sharing stories of “responsible” entrepreneurs and leaders who are making a difference and having a social impact amid this crisis. Not only in the food sector, but also in the fashion, beauty and other industries.

My hope is to inspire and encourage more people and entrepreneurs to be creative and contribute so that we don’t forget about the importance of having a purpose once the pandemic is over.

Paul Polman wrote in his Linkedin letter: “Governments cannot fight coronavirus alone. Responsible businesses need to step forward.

Responsible capitalism, which seeks to move corporate culture beyond shareholder primacy, now faces its biggest test yet. Responsible firms will do everything possible to protect their people, meaning employees, customers and supply chains. Promoting health and safety is priority number one. Next is trying to mitigate the financial impact, especially for staff on precarious contracts.

The greatest business leaders will, by contrast, play a longer game to serve the societies which host them in this moment of great need, offering people security and stability as an antidote to panic and fear.

Nobel prize winner Wangari Maathai said that, in the course of history, there comes a time when humanity is called upon to shift to a new level of consciousness, to reach a higher moral ground. For C-suites and (I add every business leader) everywhere, that time is now.”

If you have any story of an entrepreneur or company that is contributing during this pandemic and that you would like to share, please send me a message and I’ll write about it.