Since 2001, SBN has empowered thousands of values-driven businesses to build enterprises that serve communities, share wealth, and protect the Earth. Our commitment to advancing triple bottom line (people, planet, prosperity) practices has never wavered.
Today, we continue to advocate for sustainability-focused entrepreneurs, expand access to resources, and strengthen Philadelphia’s local impact economy—paving the way for a future rooted in equity, environmental resilience, and community prosperity.
Pioneering social activist and entrepreneur Judy Wicks invites local business owners to gather in her West Philadelphia living room above her then-restaurant, the White Dog Café, planting the seed for what would become SBN.
SBN launches the first Social Venture Institute, connecting emerging and established entrepreneurs with mentorship and community.
SBN leads a regional coalition focused on policy, funding, and job training to grow Philadelphia’s green-collar economy.
SBN releases Jumpstarting Private Investment in Green Stormwater Infrastructure, helping expand SBN’s private-sector participation.
Profits, Jobs, and Training in Philadelphia’s Stormwater Industry lays the groundwork for the creation of GSI Partners.
SBN completes a citywide study offering actionable recommendations for small business growth.
SBN helps pass Pennsylvania’s B Corp law, allowing businesses to legally embed social and environmental goals.
SBN launches the Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) Partners initiative to support the City of Philadelphia’s Green City, Clean Waters plan.
The Economic Impact of Green City, Clean Waters: The First Five Years reveals that GSI Partners had already come to generate nearly $60 million in annual economic impact for Philadelphia.
An Evaluation of Barriers and Solutions from the Business Perspective highlights how local, values-driven purchasing strengthens the region’s economy.
Adopted by the City of Philadelphia and first recommended in SBN’s Taking Care of Business report, this policy establishes a new standard for City-to-business relations.
SBN publishes a comprehensive analysis of 25 issues shaping the region’s ability to achieve equitable, inclusive, and climate-resilient growth.
SBN hosted its first-ever Achieving Climate Resilience Through Water Symposium at the Science History Institute, convening cross-sector leaders to advance collaborative, climate-resilient water solutions and highlight regional progress under the City of Philadelphia’s Green City, Clean Waters initiative.
SBN is supporting implementation of the Philly Tree Plan through a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant, in partnership with PHMC, by advancing urban tree canopy expansion, strengthening green workforce pathways, and delivering Urban Forestry Initiative workshops that provide education and technical assistance to local businesses and practitioners connected to the green economy.
It all began in 2001, in founding social activist and entrepreneur Judy Wicks’ West Philadelphia living room above her then-restaurant, the White Dog Café, where she gathered a group of visionary business leaders to imagine a new way of doing business—where sustainability and community well-being mattered as much as profit.
From that vision, the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia was born. Since SBN’s founding, the organization has grown from a small collective of mission-driven entrepreneurs into the region’s leading membership and advocacy organization dedicated to independent, values-driven businesses. Over the years, SBN has championed landmark policy victories, expanded programming across education, financing, and community building, and helped thousands of local businesses adopt practices that strengthen climate resilience and shared prosperity. As the region evolved, SBN continued to adapt—broadening its impact through sector-focused initiatives like the GSI Partners and deepening its commitment to equity, climate justice, and inclusive economic growth.
Twenty-five years later, SBN is proud to continue advancing a triple bottom line economy, empowering the local, independent businesses that make our region strong.
SBN is guided by a local economy approach: collective action creates deeper, longer-lasting change. We elevate businesses that are doing well by doing good—connecting them with the knowledge, funding, and advocacy they need to deepen their impact.
We champion smart, inclusive public policies that ensure workplaces are equitable, sustainable, and rooted in community health. Looking forward, SBN is investing in a resilient regional economy that is accessible to all, ready for next-generation industries, and prepared for a changing climate.
SBN strengthens local, resilient food networks that promote equity, affordability, and access—ensuring that our region’s food system can withstand the pressures of climate change and intensive agriculture.
SBN partners with industry leaders and policymakers to advance green infrastructure and nature-based stormwater solutions that protect waterways, support good local jobs, and strengthen the resilience of all communities—especially those most affected by flooding and environmental challenges.
We advocate for policies that accelerate an equitable transition to renewable energy, reduce carbon pollution, and support green jobs across Philadelphia’s local economy.
SBN advances urban forestry solutions that cool neighborhoods, reduce harmful heat-island effects, and improve air quality—helping communities most vulnerable to rising temperatures stay safe and healthy. By supporting local tree-care businesses and policy innovation, we strengthen a climate-resilient city where green infrastructure, equity, and economic opportunity grow together.
SBN elevates the voices of local, independent businesses by working closely with elected officials to advance policies that encourage, reward, and accelerate sustainable business practices. We champion legislation that supports triple-bottom-line enterprises—ensuring that businesses of all sizes can thrive, lead on climate solutions, and contribute to a more equitable, resilient regional economy.
When you sponsor SBN, you help strengthen Philadelphia’s local impact economy and position your business as a leader in sustainability.
Sponsors receive:
Your contribution supports SBN in building a just, green, and thriving local economy through advancing the needs of our communities and independent businesses that are driving positive change across Greater Philadelphia.
What your gift makes possible:
Join our community of independent, values-driven businesses across Greater Philadelphia that are committed to sustainability and social impact.
Members gain:
When you shop locally, you invest in equity, sustainability, and resilience. Nearly one in five small businesses in Greater Philadelphia are minority-owned, and over one in three are women-owned—making our local business community one of the region’s most powerful engines of inclusion.
Skip the big-box stores. Use SBN’s Sustainable Business Directory to support the independent businesses that make our communities thrive.
Together, we’re shaping a future where every business is a force for good. Whether you join, sponsor, or donate, your participation strengthens the foundation of a just, green, and thriving local economy. We hope to see you there.
