Make your CSRD disclosure count: Turn compliance into real impact

Now that the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is in effect, businesses in the European Union (EU) must comply with new reporting requirements and evolving laws. CSRD is an EU directive that establishes mandatory sustainability reporting requirements for companies, requiring the disclosure of non-financial information with a focus on environmental, social, and governance aspects.

While this might seem like just another compliance exercise, it is crucial as it encourages sustainable business practices and is likely to be adopted globally as a best-in-class standard. The CSRD enhances sustainability reporting within the European Union, enabling corporations to gain a comprehensive understanding of both the opportunities and risks associated with their environmental and social impact. To make this count, forward-thinking companies are forming collaborative partnerships with organizations that are already addressing environmental and social concerns unique to their sector to achieve their sustainability goals.

With the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) raising the bar for corporate accountability, companies must go beyond reporting—they must take action. Bridging Gaps, as a strategic partner, empowers corporations to align their sustainability goals with real-world impact by supporting social entrepreneurs in refugee and underserved communities. 

UNHCR supports Bridging Gaps and Afri-Youth Network through the Refugee-Led Innovation Fund.

We use a pay-it-forward model where the loan, once paid, is accorded to another group in the same community rather than back to the financier. This has proven to enhance continuity and accountability, ensuring high recovery rates. These social entrepreneurs build robust, inclusive, and sustainable communities in the Global South, driving change across multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

• SDG 1: No Poverty – Empowering individuals to launch businesses and create economic opportunities.

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger – Supporting food security initiatives and local agricultural businesses.

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being – Promoting access to healthcare and nutritious food.

• SDG 4: Quality Education – Offering skills training and educational opportunities for marginalized groups.

• SDG 5: Gender Equality – Empowering women and vulnerable groups through entrepreneurship.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Fostering job creation and economic inclusion.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Reducing economic exclusion and supporting marginalized communities.

• SDG 13: Climate Action – Promoting low-carbon and environmentally responsible business practices.

Equipping social entrepreneurs in refugee and underserved communities to build sustainable businesses creates long-term impact and supports sustainability goals such as reducing poverty, strengthening food security, empowering women and vulnerable groups, creating jobs, and lowering carbon footprints.

A great example is our partnership with Babbel, the language-learning app. By providing free subscriptions to our microloan recipients, entrepreneurs, and the Bridging Gaps team, Babbel has not only increased brand awareness in the Global South but also contributed to digital education and inclusion.

Bridging Gaps helps raise funds for refugee entrepreneurs in Goma, DRC

How Your Company Can Partner with Us

• Contibution To Your CSRD & ESG Commitments: Fund high-impact social entrepreneurs tackling economic exclusion, poverty, food security, women’s empowerment, job creation, and carbon footprint reduction through our Green Microloans initiative.

• Gain Firsthand Insights & Create Business Value: Engage directly with an impactful cause through employee volunteering, joint campaigns, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

• Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration: Involve your key stakeholders—employees, customers, and investors—in purpose-driven initiatives that create shared value and deepen relationships. Work with us to co-create sustainable solutions that align with their values, fostering trust and long-term engagement.

Let’s Build a Purpose-Driven Economy Together

To make CSRD truly valuable, organizations must align sustainability goals with business goals. Partner with Bridging Gaps to turn compliance into action, reporting into impact, and sustainability into long-term value. If you would like to learn more about how we can collaborate, reach out to us at info@bridging-gaps.org.