
Small business, Big impact
By Small Mighty CSR
Interviews with Australia's leading people- and planet-positive small and medium businesses and startups.
Our purpose is to inspire and empower SMEs to find their sustainability superpowers, protect the environment, give back to their community and tap into the demand for sustainable products and brands for growth.
This is a podcast with a difference - recorded live with audience Q&A. Join the conversation at Better Business Alliance on Facebook. By Small Mighty CSR.

Crunching the numbers with CPA Australia
Small business, Big impact • By Small Mighty CSR • Oct 06, 2021
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48:18
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Ideals worth spreading with 99th Monkey
Nick Sheridan is Founder & Director of 99th Monkey. 99th Monkey makes natural nut butters, pure and simple, free from animal products, gluten, palm oil and GMOs. Their products are also carbon positive, having not only reduced and offset emissions all the way back to the raw materials and packaging, but also offsetting an additional kilogram of carbon for every kilo of nut butter sold.
After years of persistence, 99th Monkey has ridden the wave of demand for sustainable, ethical products from their local farmers' market onto the shelves at Coles.
This interview is part of the Small business, Big impact series, recorded 1 December 2021.
Resources mentioned:
99th Monkey - buy some nut butter or subscribe for sustainability updates, recipes and giveaways - https://99thmonkey.com.au/
social media - new products and frequent giveaways - https://www.instagram.com/99th_monkey/ and https://www.facebook.com/99thMonkeyNutButters
57:22
December 02, 2021

Paying it forward with Goodwill Wine
David Laity is Founder & CEO of Goodwill Wine. Goodwill Wine is a certified social enterprise donating 50% of its profits to charities chosen by its customers. Inspired by the outpouring of support following the Black Saturday Bushfires, David Laity decided to pay it forward and create a business that would harness the power of positive drinking.
With labels like 'Love your work' and 'You deserve this', they spread good will up and down the value chain.
We speak about social enterprise, the profit distribution model, attracting investment, social certifications and understanding customer motivations.
This interview is part of the Small business, Big impact series, recorded 17 November 2021.
Resources mentioned:
Goodwill Wine - buy some wine, subscribe to the newsletter, or contact David at https://goodwillwine.com.au/
Social Traders Certification and Social Enterprise Finder - https://www.socialtraders.com.au/
47:44
November 17, 2021

Sustainability by design with Koskela
Sasha Titchkosky is Co-founder and CEO of Koskela. This interview is part of the Small business, Big impact series, recorded 3 November 2021.
Koskela was the first furniture and homewares company in Australia to be B Corp certified in 2017. Its products are proudly Australia-made, GECA certified and carbon neutral. We speak about Koskela's commitment to sustainability across the business, local manufacturing, supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts, and climate goals.
Topics:
Welcome and introduction
Creation and evolution of a purpose-led business
Credibility and demand from conscious consumers
Following the leader - learn from sustainable brands that have gone before
What sets Koskela apart from other sustainable brands
Local manufacturing and finding your key differentiator
Attracting employees through purpose
Supporting Indigenous Australian culture and art
Benefits of the Reconciliation Action Plan framework
The global transition to net zero and how it will impact SMEs
Simple things to adopt in your business
Importance of setting ambitious targets to influence others
B Corp Climate Collective resources and collaboration
Koskela's sustainability superpower
Top tip for small businesses
Wrap up and resources
Resources mentioned:
check out Koskela's products and subscribe https://koskela.com.au/
climate action resources at https://www.bcorpclimatecollective.com.au/business-resource-hub
explainer series on climate change, global action, business net zero commitments and taking action in your business at https://smallmightycsr.com/net-zero-cop26-explainer/
connect with Sasha at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasha-titchkosky-83a28522/
37:11
November 03, 2021

Fairtrade trailblazer with Etiko
Nick Savaidis is Founder & Director of Etiko. This interview is part of the Small business, Big impact series, recorded 20 October 2021.
Topics:
Introduction and background of Etiko
The Fairtrade system and certification
Working with ethical suppliers
Challenges and key success factors for selling an ethical product
Growth in demand from ethical consumers
Difference between startups that succeed and fail
Etiko's sustainability superpower
Top tips for small businesses
Resources mentioned:
Etiko - https://etiko.com.au/
Etiko Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/etiko_fairtrade/
Jinta Sport - https://jintasport.com.au/
Etiko Merch - https://www.etikomerch.com.au/
Fairtrade ANZ - https://fairtradeanz.org/
54:10
October 20, 2021

Banking for good with Bank Australia
Jane Kern is Senior Manager Impact Finance at Bank Australia. This interview is part of the Small business, Big impact series, recorded 6 October 2021.
Topics:
Background as a customer-centric bank
Demand and growth from socially conscious customers
Approach to impact finance
From carbon neutral to net zero
Embedding culture across the organisation
B Corp certification lessons learned
Bank Australia's sustainability superpower
Top tip for small businesses
Audience questions - challenges in ESG, future plans
Resources mentioned:
Bank Australia's Impact Report 2020 https://www.bankaust.com.au/about-us/customer-centre/reporting/our-reports/corporate-report/2020-impact-report
B Corp Impact Assessment https://bimpactassessment.net/
Climate Active https://www.climateactive.org.au/
Jane's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-kern-a0146364/
44:36
October 07, 2021

Keeping accountable with Global Reporting Initiative
Robyn Leeson is Vice-Chair of the Global Sustainability Standards Board at Global Reporting Initiative. This interview was held in the Grow With Purpose in 2021 event, part of the National Sustainable Living Festival 2021. Day 2, interview 7. Recorded 9 February, 2021.
Topics:
Background on sustainability reporting
Why do companies report?
Role of standards like GRI
Key principles - context, materiality, stakeholders
Greenwashing, bluewashing and need for skepticism
Creating trust with authenticity and balance
Advantages of SMEs
Examples of creative communications by SMEs
Tackling one issue at a time
Reporting standards and certifications vs ESG ratings
Top piece of advice for small business
Audience questions - accelerating change
Resources mentioned:
GRI's reporting data base: https://database.globalreporting.org/
Small Business Big Impact report - https://www.globalreporting.org/search/?query=small+business
52:55
October 06, 2021

Raising your game and credibility with B Corp
Jimmy Bayssari is Founder & Head of Product & Risk at Project Everest Ventures and Certified B Corp Consultant. This interview was held in the Grow With Purpose in 2021 event, part of the National Sustainable Living Festival 2021. Day 2, interview 6. Recorded 9 February, 2021.
Topics:
Background and passion for social enterprise
Project Everest business model
Validating ideas through community engagement
B Corp Certification model
Impact measurement
B Corp Certification process
Savvy consumers demanding robust certification
Audience questions - common pitfalls, policy documentation
Top piece of advice for small business
Resources mentioned:
B Impact Assessment (BIA) - https://bimpactassessment.net/
Introduction to B Corps - https://bcorp.torrensonline.com/catalog/info/id:359
Focus Framework: https://thefocusframework.com/
IRIS: https://iris.thegiin.org/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmybayssari/
45:06
October 06, 2021

Grants and incentives with BlueRock
Millicent Brearley is Senior R&D Consultant and Grants & Incentives Specialist at BlueRock Accounting. This interview was held in the Grow With Purpose in 2021 event, part of the National Sustainable Living Festival 2021. Day 2, interview 5. Recorded 9 February, 2021.
Topics:
Navigating grants and incentives
Innovation R&D tax incentives
Incentives for investing in early stage innovation companies
Applying for grants
Clean energy, waste and recycling funding
Top piece of advice for small business
Resources available
Audience questions - fee structure, female founders
Resources mentioned
https://www.bluerock.com.au/services/grants-incentives
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bebluerock
46:50
October 06, 2021

Crunching the numbers with CPA Australia
John Purcell is Policy Advisor ESG at CPA Australia. This interview was held in the Grow With Purpose in 2021 event, part of the National Sustainable Living Festival 2021. Day 2, interview 4. Recorded 9 February, 2021.
Topics:
Background on 'ESG' and 'CSR'
Accounting's role and view of sustainability
Considering non-financial value
Weighing long-term value against financial criteria
Strategic business implications of SDGs and sustainability
Role of accountants in considering and driving sustainability
Top piece of advice for small business
Audience questions - regulatory cost
Resources mentioned:
CPA's ESG resources https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/professional-resources/esg
WEF’s Global Risk Report http://reports.weforum.org/global-risks-report-2021/
48:18
October 06, 2021

Remaking manufacturing with Rethink Recycling Co-op
Mat Card is President & Founder of Rethink Recycling Co-op. This interview was held in the Grow With Purpose in 2021 event, part of the National Sustainable Living Festival 2021. Day 2, interview 3. Recorded 9 February, 2021.
Topics:
Background on Rethink Recycling Co-Op
The untapped resource of recycled plastic
Addressing the lack of materials, machinery and support to recycle plastic
Audience questions - support provided by the Co-op, market for plastic, 20-litre drums
Gaps to achieve a circular economy
Top piece of advice for small business
Resources mentioned:
https://rethinkrecycling.coop/
https://www.instagram.com/rethinkrecycling.coop
https://rethinkrecycling.coop/
Membership - https://share.hsforms.com/1IzS2-WzcTvWNlfHjdZCJwA5d25g
43:57
October 06, 2021

Finding your why in business with My Daily Business Coach
Fiona Killackey is Founder of My Daily Business Coach and Author of Passion Purpose Profit. This interview was held in the Grow With Purpose in 2021 event, part of the National Sustainable Living Festival 2021. Day 2, interview 2. Recorded 9 February, 2021.
Topics:
Passion Purpose Profit book and the importance of purpose for business owners
Finding your personal 'why'
Focus on one thing where you can make a difference
The word 'yet' and growth mindset
Communicating about sustainability commitments
Educating yourself to not get left behind the curve
Audience questions - Ecosia web search
Top piece of advice for small business
Purpose and values attracts loyal customers
Transparency and authenticity in marketing
Audience questions - launching new initiatives, starting a business
Resources mentioned:
https://www.mydailybusinesscoach.com/
Podcast - https://www.mydailybusinesscoach.com/podcast
Fiona’s book - online https://www.booktopia.com.au/passion-purpose-profit-fiona-killackey/book/9781743796184.html
Or https://www.instagram.com/mydailybusinesscoach/guide/small-businesses-that-sell-my-book/17852902712381352/ If you’d like to support a small business while buying Fiona’s book!
Values checklist - https://www.mydailybusinesscoach.com/shop/your-values-checklist
Emotional and rational drivers pdf for marketing - https://www.mydailybusinesscoach.com/shop/emotional-and-rational-drivers-activity
Personality Test - https://www.16personalities.com/
43:08
October 06, 2021

Government support for sustainability with Sustainability Victoria
Nicholas Balgue is Manager Sustainable Business at Sustainability Victoria. This interview was held in the Grow With Purpose in 2021 event, part of the National Sustainable Living Festival 2021. Day 2, interview 1. Recorded 9 February, 2021.
Topics:
Background on the government push and funding for sustainability
Funding and programs for energy reduction and renewable energy
Funding and programs for waste reduction and recycling
Tips for businesses looking for opportunities and accessing funding
Following through on opportunities identified
Audience questions - startups, collaboration
Resources mentioned:
https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/Grants-and-funding
Circular Economy Business Innovation Centre https://www.cebic.vic.gov.au/grants
www.BusinessEnergyAdvice.com.au
Register your interest for the new Solar Victoria small business program https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/solar-small-business
36:56
October 06, 2021

Working with business and government with Australia Post
Susan Mizrahi is Chief Sustainability Officer at Australia Post. This interview was held in the Grow With Purpose in 2021 event, part of the National Sustainable Living Festival 2021. Day 1, interview 7. Recorded 8 February, 2021.
Topics:
Role of Chief Sustainability Officer
Business drivers for corporate responsibility
Sustainable Procurement Principles
Sustainability at Licenced Post Offices
How to win supply contracts by demonstrating sustainability
Waste, packaging and plastic
Small business sustainability survey and roadmap
Top piece of advice for small business
Banksia Awards category for small business
Audience questions - challenges for procurement, fast consumption, partnerships
Resources mentioned:
Australia Post's new white paper on small business sustainability - https://auspost.com.au/content/dam/auspost_corp/media/documents/sustainability-white-paper.pdf
The Banksia Awards, which have a small business sustainability category worth following for the case studies of the finalists. www.banksiafdn.com/awards/
Registration for this year's Banksia Awards (online) - https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/32nd-banksia-sustainability-awards-tickets-139321633757
44:06
October 06, 2021

Building a legacy with Family Business Australia
Susanne Bransgrove, Founder & Director, LiquidGold Consultants and Greg Griffith, Chief Executive Officer, Family Business Australia. This interview was held in the Grow With Purpose in 2021 event, part of the National Sustainable Living Festival 2021. Day 1, interview 6. Recorded 8 February, 2021.
Topics:
Background and distinctions of family business
Importance of sustainability to the family business sector
Aligning family perspectives in business governance
Building a sustainability vision as a family
Role and drivers of different generations
Example of a family business aligning around purpose
Top piece of advice for family-owned business
Aligning family, business and sustainability goals
Resources mentioned:
Greg recommended the FBA website especially for peer to peer learning with other family businesses - https://familybusiness.org.au
Susanne's contact - https://www.susannebransgrove.com/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/susannebransgrove
40:46
October 06, 2021

Accessing capital with the Responsible Investment Association Australasia
Simon O'Connor is the CEO of Responsible Investment Association Australasia and Co-Chair of Australian Sustainable Finance Initiative. This interview was held in the Grow With Purpose in 2021 event, part of the National Sustainable Living Festival 2021. Day 1, interview 5. Recorded 8 February, 2021
Topics:
Background and purpose of Responsible Investment Association Australasia
Rapid transformation in the financial sector
Investment drivers
Filling the gap between traditional investing and philanthropy
How investments and loans are assessed and screened
Modern Slavery Act in lending practices
Future expectations of small business
Growth of impact investing
Emerging financial products for sustainability
Talking with your banker
Cooperatives, credit unions and distributed lending
Investor pressure shifting major businesses
Top piece of advice for small business
Resources:
https://responsibleinvestment.org for more info, join the RIAA newsletter and follow on social media
https://responsiblereturns.com.au is RIAA's comparison tool for responsible or ethical banking, superannuation and investment products
42:16
October 06, 2021

Positive impact through social enterprise with Social Traders
Mark Daniels is Executive Director at Social Traders. This interview was held in the Grow With Purpose in 2021 event, part of the National Sustainable Living Festival 2021. Day 1, interview 4. Recorded 8 February, 2021
Topics:
Background and definition of social enterprise
Filling the gap between government, business and charity
Consumer appetite and market demand for social impact
Social procurement practices of government and business
Borrowing social impact principles for traditional businesses
Audience questions - difference from B Corp and not for profit, application
Top piece of advice for small business
Resources mentioned:
https://socialtraders.com.au
https://youtu.be/CZ-qrRJRW1o (video about a social enterprise, Fruit2Work)
43:31
October 06, 2021

Sustainable Development Goals with Global Compact Network Australia
Corinne Schoch is the Head of Programmes at Global Compact Network Australia. This interview was held in the Grow With Purpose in 2021 event, part of the National Sustainable Living Festival 2021. Day 1, interview 3. Recorded 8 February, 2021.
Topics:
Background and purpose of the Sustainable Development Goals
Translating the Goals into practice in government and business
Drivers for businesses to get involved
Alignment with other sustainability initiatives
What is the '$12 trillion market opportunity for solutions'
Audience questions - role of investors, leading companies
Top piece of advice for small business
Resources mentioned:
https://unglobalcompact.org.au/
https://sdgs.un.org/goals
https://www.sdgtransformingaustralia.com/ (Australian progress on SDGs)
https://www.unglobalcompact.org/take-action/sdg-action-manager (business tool)
https://www.unglobalcompact.org/library/5051 (Better Business, Better World report for business)
42:05
October 06, 2021

Growth of conscious consumerism with Good On You
Gordon Renouf is the CEO & Co-founder of Good On You. This interview was held in the Grow With Purpose in 2021 event, part of the National Sustainable Living Festival 2021. Day 1, interview 2. Recorded 8 February, 2021.
Topics:
Background and purpose of Good On You
Growth in consumer demand for sustainable and ethical fashion
Good On You rating system and key issues
Progress by fashion brands in avoiding modern slavery
Role of certifications
Comparing large and small business impacts
Practices of progressive sustainable brands
Top piece of advice for small business
Resources mentioned:
https://goodonyou.eco/how-we-rate/
https://www.commonobjective.co/
https://supplycompass.com/
https://greenstory.ca/
https://eco-age.com/
https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/
39:47
October 06, 2021

Finding opportunity in disruption with Thankyou
Pete Yao is the Chief Impact Officer, Thankyou, and Director, Thankyou Charitable Trust. This interview was held in the Grow With Purpose in 2021 event, part of the National Sustainable Living Festival 2021. Day 1, interview 1. Recorded 8 February, 2021.
Topics:
Thankyou Group background and business model
Success through social purpose
Maturing operational sustainability with Responsible Business Goals
Continuous improvement and prioritising actions
Choosing the right charity partners and giving thoughtfully
Reporting progress transparently and authentically
Top piece of advice for small businesses
Audience questions - recycled content, future trends, B Corp
Resources:
To learn more about Thankyou's approach, go to https://thankyou.co/about/sustainability
Their 2020 Annual Letter also covers how their approach to partnering and 'thoughtful giving' has changed https://thankyou.co/blog/2020/09/annual-letter-from-thankyou-trustees
One of our participants also pointed out that their LinkedIn is 'gold'! https://www.linkedin.com/company/thankyou-group
44:08
October 06, 2021

Introduction: Sara Redmond-Neal from Small Mighty CSR
Welcome to the Small business, Big impact podcast. This trailer provides a quick introduction to what we're about and what you can expect from future episodes.
Be sure to subscribe!
05:30
October 06, 2021