Annual Benefits Report, CY 2024

Annual Benefits Report, CY 2024

On March 19, 2025

Cogent Consulting converted to a Specific Benefit Corporation on December 18th, 2018, after 20 years in business. We are an independent, strategic, impact investing firm empowering...

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What Susan Was Doing in January

What Susan Was Doing in January

On January 01, 2025

Hope in the new year is our favorite team gratitude today and despite the very real challenges we face as humans, I’m positive about our future....

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What Susan Was Doing in October

What Susan Was Doing in October

On October 01, 2024

For grown-ups, back-to-school season means it’s Fall conference season. I’m excited to learn, share and connect at three national events: learn at the 10th Annual Great...

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What Was Susan Doing in June

What Was Susan Doing in June

On June 01, 2024

Smart impact investors see and invest in talent others overlook. For example, only 2% of venture capital funding flows to female-founded companies (2022 data, World Economic...

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Going Deep Into Capital Access for Businesses Led by People of Color

Going Deep Into Capital Access for Businesses Led by People of Color

On March 22, 2024

It is easy to make assumptions about why some businesses succeed and others fail. We can blame lack of knowledge or expertise. We can pass judgements...

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What Susan is doing

“Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.”― Dietrich Bonhoeffer

This powerful quote is how Minnesota’s Attorney General Keith Ellison opened his keynote address at the Minnesota Council on Foundations annual conference last month. As Americans, we stand for individual freedom, the right to pursue happiness, and the dignity of each person. These fundamental values are under assault. We need to muster our courage and act. Perhaps it’s reaching out to a friend with disabilities who is worried about funding cuts. Maybe it’s shopping and dining at non-traditional places and restaurants such as those found on Lake Street in Minneapolis. Or maybe it’s running for public office so we’ll have better leadership choices. Let me know what actions you’re taking in these fraught times.