A new, free sustainability program is helping local small businesses become more environmentally friendly (without dishing out the big bucks). Here’s why sustainability isn’t just a buzzword, it’s smart business.
Changing customer demands and the ongoing effects of the climate crisis mean going green isn’t just a nice idea – it’s a must. That’s why the new Small Business Sustainability Support program has been designed to help small businesses level up their environmental credentials – without breaking the bank.
As part of the $14.25 million South Australia’s Small Business Strategy, this program is giving small businesses the tools to grow and succeed in a net zero future, improve their sustainability and climate resilience, and open up new market opportunities.
Sustainability experts 2XE Pty Ltd will deliver the program for small businesses right across the state, including:
- 18 free workshops in metropolitan and regional areas for up to 360 small business owners
- one-hour, 1:1 consultations with workshop participants
- business sustainability assessments for 50 small businesses (at subsidised cost).
You can register now for an upcoming workshop near you.
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword, it’s smart business
2XE’s Managing Director Nick Palousis says being a sustainable small business means being smart with your resources: “With so many pressures falling on the shoulders of the small business operator, sustainability just makes good business sense,” he says.
“If you are focused on meeting your customer needs, then sustainability will be a top priority for you. We are seeing increasing demand for sustainable products and services across all age brackets, especially the younger generations. They want to be part of the change that we need, influencing their purchasing decisions and even their employment choices.
“At these workshops, we will share many tips and tricks for quick wins that can save money, as well as how to be more efficient with your energy and water and reduce your waste. There is significant value when businesses engage with their supply chain too.”
An SA plumbing company leads the charge towards net zero
Plumbify – an Adelaide-based plumbing business – is leading the way towards a model of environmentally-friendly business practice.
It worked with 2XE to assess their emissions footprint, and create a game plan that means the business is well on its way to be Climate Active certified as a carbon-neutral service by the end of the year.
“Nick and the team at 2XE have been brilliant to deal with,” Matt Zubrinich, Managing Director of Plumbify says. “He’s a real trailblazer and it’s a real honour to work with those guys.”
Sustainability is super important to Matt as a young, aspiring business leader, he says, and in terms of his role as a father: “I’ve got two young boys and I’m genuinely worried about the world they’re going to grow up in, especially in environmental ways,” he says.
“A lot of people would say ‘what’s the point?’ but I feel like if everyone thought like that, then we’d never get anywhere. We have to start somewhere, rather than bury our heads in the sand. It’s our responsibility to do it for our kids and our kids’ kids.”
It comes down to dollars and cents
As a small business owner, Matt says there has to be a business case for becoming carbon neutral – especially in the current environment of skyrocketing costs across the board.
“As much as I want to do all this stuff for the environment, if the dollars don’t stack up, no one will do it, because that’s just how the world works, unfortunately,” he says.
“It’s absolutely imperative that all levels of government, businesses and individuals support small businesses who are making the effort and investing in being sustainable.”
For his business, tender processes weighted heavily towards people who are doing things sustainably are the key to making going carbon neutral cost-effective.
“I’m one of the first people to do this so I guess I’m undertaking all this as a bit of a guinea pig. I’m willing to invest the money because it’s important, but it does come down to dollars and cents. If we don’t get rewarded for this sort of stuff, unfortunately, it’s just not going to happen across the industry anywhere near to the degree we need it to happen.”
Meet your small biz cheerleader
If you own a small business, the state government’s Office for Small and Family Business is here to help, offering information, tools and resources. The Office’s website is your handy go-to if you have questions or need support for your small business. The best part? Their $14.25 million, 20-point strategy means tons of free and low-cost programs are waiting for you, so you can take your business to the next level without breaking the bank!
The Office also runs Small Business Week, which is packed with workshops, networking and resources designed to boost small South Aussie businesses, including freelancers and contractors. Running each year in early May, it’s all totally free to attend. Whether you’ve been in the game for years or your side hustle is just turning into a main gig, this is the week to learn from the experts about everything from mastering social media to finding the right employees.
For more details about the Small Business Sustainability Support program, click here.
