Small business, Big impact
By Small Mighty CSR
Small business, Big impactOct 06, 2021
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
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/
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/
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/
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/
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
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/
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
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/
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
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/
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
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
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
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
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)
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)
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/
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
Introduction: Sara Redmond-Neal from Small Mighty CSR
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