by: Dustin Zimmer | May 22, 2024
Celebrating National Small Business Month
National Small Business Month is celebrated each May and recognizes the pivotal role small businesses play in driving the U.S. economy. Originally established as National Small Business Week by the Small Business Administration, this campaign has evolved to span the entire month, championed by organizations like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Throughout May, a series of events, workshops, and resources are organized to support entrepreneurs, advocate for policies that foster small business growth, and raise awareness about the invaluable contributions of small business. With over 33 million small businesses operating in the United States, accounting for a staggering 99% of all American businesses, their impact on the nation’s economy cannot be overstated.
The Sustainability Imperative
National Small Business Month presents an opportune moment for small and midsize businesses (SMBs) to showcase their commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices. As we celebrate their resilience and innovation, it is crucial to acknowledge the growing importance in today’s business landscape.
Beyond reducing their carbon footprint and mitigating environmental impact, there are numerous reasons that businesses of all sizes prioritize sustainability. A few key drivers are attracting and retaining top talent, building a positive brand reputation, long-term financial gain, profitability, and ensuring regulatory compliance and risk mitigation.
Adopting sustainable practices for your business, regardless of size, is essential when hiring and retaining employees, especially younger generations, and 71% of job seekers want to work for companies that build it into their culture and mission. Sustainability also plays a vital role in ensuring compliance with existing and anticipated environmental regulations and mitigating risks from climate change impacts on operations and supply chains, and 40% of company leaders expect their sustainability programs to generate profit.
Consumer Demand for Sustainable Products
Consumers are increasingly demanding environmentally friendly products and services, with 85% shifting towards purchasing sustainably produced goods in the past five years.
Nearly half of consumers are likely to choose retailers known for offering sustainable options, and a staggering 70% have expressed willingness to pay a premium for their products and services. Millennials and Gen Z are among the most enthusiastic consumers of sustainable products, with 76% of those aged 18-24 and 69% falling between the ages of 25-34. Additionally, about 50% of consumers are looking for clear language regarding third-party or independent validation on the product packaging itself. While the demand cuts across demographics, urban consumers tend to be the earliest adopters and trendsetters for environmentally conscious consumption.
Get Started on Your Sustainability Journey
As we celebrate National Small Business Month, let us embrace the opportunity to prioritize sustainability and contribute to a greener, more resilient future.
ClimeCo offers a wide range of customizable solutions that make it easy for businesses of all sizes and industries to set and achieve sustainability goals. Our EcoCommitted Partner Program, specifically designed for SMBs, provides a convenient and cost-effective way for businesses to embark on their sustainability journey, whether addressing carbon emissions and plastic waste or mitigating shipping and travel impacts.
The EcoCommitted Partner Program also includes a badge that businesses can proudly display, demonstrating their commitment to the environment and gaining traction among many consumers who prefer eco-friendly products and providers.
For larger companies, the ClimeCo Certification Program offers a more detailed accounting of business emissions or their products’ “cradle-to-grave” footprint, enabling them to take targeted actions toward reducing their environmental impact. Our website also offers a user-friendly business emissions calculator that determines how many carbon credits a business needs to offset its footprint.
To learn more about the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses, listen to our podcast featuring Anna O’Brien, ClimeCo’s Senior Manager, Re-Seller Programs, or contact us to begin your sustainability journey!
Works Cited
U.S. Chamber of Commerce – Small Business Month
National Today – Small Business Month
Bankrate – Small business statistics in 2023
Wework – What companies are doing to become more sustainable
Grow Ensemble – The 15 Most Environmentally Friendly & Sustainable Companies
Faire: Trendspotting: Demand for sustainable products shows no signs of slowing
CarePac – Is There Strong Consumer Demand for Sustainable Products in 2022?
Blue Bite – Why Consumers Care about Sustainable Shopping and Ethical Fashion
PDI Technologies – Report Shows Consumers Want Sustainable Products
Adcock Solutions – Sustainable Shopping Practices: How Can Retailers Help?
About the Author
Dustin Zimmer supports the Marketing Team in organizing and implementing various projects and campaigns, helping to identify marketing trends, target customers, markets, and key opportunities for innovation. He is also responsible for maintaining and generating content for ClimeCo’s e-commerce website, blogs, social media, press releases, webinars, and other multi-channel marketing efforts.
