26 Jul Innovation Barn Tour, Lunch & Keynote
How Do You Build a Resilient City? Start with Purpose-Driven Business.
Recently, the Charlotte B Corp Collective gathered at Envision Charlotte‘s Innovation Barn to explore how circularity, sustainability, and certification intersect to shape a more resilient, inclusive local economy.
Our Circularity Tour took us behind the scenes of Charlotte’s most exciting sustainability innovations:
• The Mill – Charlotte’s first circular fashion store, spotlighting local designers, textile reuse, and sustainable retail practices
• Plastics Lab – Repurposing #5 plastics into jewelry, toys, and usable goods
• Algae Wall – A living installation that cools the building and absorbs off-gassing from plastic extrusion
• Glass Pulverizer – Converting recycled glass into sand for concrete, reducing reliance on virgin materials
• 100 Gardens Aquaponics – A sustainable food system deployed in 25 Charlotte-area schools
• Food Waste Solutions – From worm farms to black soldier flies and The Bulb’s community food rescue
• Change Please USA Coffee – A coffee shop training mothers experiencing homelessness, providing childcare and a pathway to stability
After the tour, we shared stories and sandwiches over a casual networking lunch, followed by a powerful keynote from Dawn Rennick, PhD of Piercing Sun Consulting, LLC: “Building a Resilient Charlotte Through B Corp Certification.”
Her message was clear:
✔️ B Corps reinvest in local economies
✔️ They lead in circular design and verified environmental innovation
✔️ They grow stronger, retain more employees, and build lasting community trust
✔️ Certification offers a framework to catalyze local resilience
Huge thanks to B Lab U.S. & Canada and Piercing Sun Consulting for making this gathering possible, and to Amelia Winchester for capturing the day so beautifully.
Don’t Miss What’s Next:
Join us October 24 at Camp North End for our Adaptive Reuse Tour & Sustainably Sourced Lunch. Registration now open. → https://lnkd.in/eh6wsxzR
Together, we’re not just growing companies, we’re growing a better Charlotte.
