In our 20-year strong commitment to improving businesses for good in our region and advancing triple bottom line practices, SBN supports and advocates for independent business owners’ needs today and beyond.
That was 2001, and The Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia is the result of this way of rethinking business as usual, and continues to advance a triple bottom line economy. Today we hold these same ideals and serve the same local, independent business community that SBN founders brought together.
Merrian BorgesonFormer SBN Staff“I still think often about how Judy described my role at SBN as a ‘network nurturer.’ That mode of connecting people so that we can accomplish more together still rings true as my calling.”
Elizabeth GumanFounding and Current SBN Member / Strategy Arts“One of the things that I definitely learned from Judy is how to make sure that there’s fun and good food that goes along with all the hard work.”
Maurice Sampson IIFounding and Current SBN Member / Niche Recycling, Inc“Instead of Judy focusing on creating a ‘White Dog Cafe’ chain of restaurants, she embodied her life in experience in SBN. Seeing where SBN is 20 years later demonstrates the power of one person’s intention changing lives and changing world. I am humbled to be a part of it.”
Steve WeinbergSBN Founding Steering Committee Member / National Foundry“SBN’s vision combined a ‘can-do’ approach of learning, engagement and action that actually got things done with ever wider ripples. SBN’s vision was life affirming and attracted many wonderful people and collaborations to put our values and caring to work in our own backyard.”
All businesses should practice the triple bottom line, understand their individual impacts on their local communities and our economy, and challenge and support each other to continue improving their practices. Smart public policies are needed to create a solid baseline, ensuring that all workplaces are equitable, inclusive, practice environmental sustainability, and promote the long-term health and well-being of their communities.
In order for the region to recover and sustain it, we need to invest in a collective vision of a strong regional economy that is accessible to all, prepared for next-generation industries, and resilient to a changing climate.
Our food system is on track to be drastically disrupted by climate change. A UN report found the world’s land and water resources are severely threatened.110 The chance of major food shortages around the world could lead to an increase in the current flow of immigration that is already impacting politics in North America and Europe, as well as higher food costs overall.
Stormwater runoff — both urban and agricultural — is one of the biggest threats to our water quality.
As the climate catastrophe becomes even clearer, we must reduce carbon pollution, improve energy efficiency, and transition to 100 percent renewable energy as quickly as possible. The only way to truly get to net zero carbon emissions is to invest heavily in energy efficiency and electrification, while keeping in mind that electric technology is only as clean as the energy provided to the grid powering it.
As a non-profit organization, we rely on the generosity of our members and other business partners as well as foundations in order to implement our programming. As our thank you for your commitment to SBN and our mission, we provide a number of benefits to our sponsors, including visibility, business connections, and access, thereby helping you position your business as a leader in the local impact economy. We are seeking mission-aligned sponsors who are committed to supporting our mission, learning, sharing, and improving their triple bottom line. Click below to inquire about sponsorship.
Your contributions help our work, educating and supporting the incredible triple bottom line businesses that we serve. Your dollars can help in the following ways:
SBN members are independently-owned businesses headquartered in the Greater Philadelphia region that practice the triple bottom line of people, planet, and profitability. SBN’s membership benefits focus on providing businesses with relevant content, meaningful community, and effective advocacy. Join our community of businesses for good that are building profitable enterprises while serving community needs, sharing wealth, and protecting the environment.
The small local business community is the engine of a diverse and inclusive economy. Almost 1/5 of all small businesses are owned by minorities, and more than 1/3 are owned by women. Consider shopping local than with alternatives to larger box stores or online giants. SBN has a full directory of local businesses that can help guide you.
