Defining your venture's core values can shape the overall culture, decision-making processes, and direction of your business. These values can guide you and your team through challenges and opportunities while ensuring consistency in your actions and messaging.

Reflect on the values that are most meaningful to you when considering the type of business and culture you want to create and lead. Select a few core values that are easy to remember and communicate. Define what each value means in the context of your business and provide examples of behaviors that embody these values.

• Embed your core values into your organization's practices, including hiring, performance reviews, and promotions.
• Choose values that genuinely represent the venture’s beliefs and behaviors, rather than simply aspirational ideals. 
• Regularly review and, if necessary, update the values to ensure they continue to reflect the evolving nature of the venture and its goals.
• Share stories and examples of how the values have been practiced within the organization and externally. 
• Consider officially affirming and committing to your values by obtaining certifications such as B-Corp, LEED, Pledge 1%, and 1% for the Planet.