by Gabi Ferraris | May 21, 2025
Each May, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) kicks off Small Business Month to celebrate small businesses nationwide, championing the dreamers, risk-takers, and community builders who are reshaping our world.
Small and midsize businesses (SMBs) make up almost 33 million enterprises in the United States and are the backbone of our economy. They are crucial in vitalizing local communities and shaping and providing a sense of identity, belonging, and resilience.
Throughout May, the SBA showcases a variety of events, workshops, and resources to highlight how SMBs significantly impact on their communities through innovative, diverse, and eco-friendly practices. From mom-and-pop shops to cutting-edge startups, SMBs have a considerable role in driving positive change.
Celebrating Resilience & Community-Building
SMBs contribute to resilient local economies, supporting diverse employment and innovation. They rely on their diversity and creativity to nurture their business and enrich their neighborhood uniquely, allowing their community to thrive independently.
When you spend money at local businesses, about 67 cents of every dollar stays right in your community! This is much higher compared to spending at national chains, where only around 45 cents per dollar typically remains local – sourcing from nearby vendors, employing within, and supporting community services. This creates a multiplier effect, where money circulates multiple times within the local economy, boosting overall economic health and vitality. Choosing to shop small doesn’t just support individual entrepreneurs; it helps strengthen the entire community’s economic foundation.
Small Business’s Big Impact on Sustainability
SMBs are key in promoting sustainable actions and fostering a shared sense of responsibility. By adopting eco-friendly business practices and supporting environmental causes, SMBs not only reduce their own environmental footprint but also inspire others to follow in their footsteps.
With consumers increasingly focused on sustainable products and businesses, SMBs can lead the way to show that passion, determination, and strategic partnerships matter when it comes to addressing our climate crisis. In fact, a recent study shows that 78% of consumers feel that sustainability is important and more than half are willing to pay more for eco-friendly brands!
By partnering with organizations specializing in environmental sustainability, SMBs are able to access the expertise and resources needed to implement meaningful change.
How to Begin or Amplify Your Sustainability Journey
ClimeCo offers a range of customizable solutions that empower businesses to set and achieve their sustainability goals while fostering community connections.
Our EcoCommitted™ Partner Program, designed specifically for SMBs, makes it accessible and cost-effective for entrepreneurs and SMB owners across all industries to begin or amplify their sustainability journey.
The program provides options to offset your carbon footprint, along with a customized certificate and badge to showcase their commitment to sustainability, helping attract environmentally conscious consumers and strengthening community ties.
For larger enterprises, the ClimeCo Certification Program offers a comprehensive emissions analysis and lifecycle assessments, enabling targeted actions to reduce environmental impact and showcase your commitment to sustainability to customers.
About the Author
Gabi Ferraris manages ClimeCo’s EcoCommitted™ Partner Program, happily servicing 200-300 businesses, maintaining CRM systems, and supporting sales and program management processes. She develops and implements outreach and manages relationships with businesses of all sizes, with a particular focus on sustainability and environmental initiatives for small businesses. She also works on analyzing data, reporting, and supporting ClimeCo’s Certification Programs.
