SBN's mission is to build a just, green, and thriving economy in the Greater Philadelphia region. We accomplish this by educating and growing a broad base of local, independent businesses and educating policymakers and the public.
OUR VALUES
We are committed to realizing our organizational values through our work. We recognize that we are setting an unprecedented example for how businesses and communities can coexist, collaborate, and create a more sustainable society. We pledge to champion these values and to model them in our daily work, with the goal of inspiring others to do the same. We consider our values when making any and all decisions at the Staff and Board level:
· Sustainability and Respect for the Earth
· Community Self-reliance and Cooperation
· Diversity
· Optimism
· Authenticity and Accountability
· Pioneering Leadership
Letter from SBN's Executive Director
As we reflect on 2024, I am struck by the resilience and dedication of our community. This year has been a testament to the strength of purpose-driven businesses and the importance of prioritizing people—both ourselves as leaders and the employees who are integral to our success. While the challenges we face are significant, the opportunities to grow and support one another are even greater.
At SBN, we have taken purposeful steps to champion this people-centered approach to sustainability. Earlier this year, we launched our Business Clinics, a series designed to provide personalized, complimentary, one-on-one consultations for our members. These drop-in sessions connect businesses with trusted advisors and experts to address key operational challenges. From HR insights with Wilde Life Consulting to legal guidance from Dilworth Paxson LLP and impact marketing support from Untapped Communications, these clinics have already provided invaluable support to many members.
Additionally, our Board of Directors initiated the Business Circle Cohort, a safe and supportive space for business leaders to connect, share, and problem-solve. Born out of last year’s board retreat, this cohort addresses the evolving challenges of running a purpose-driven business in a post-pandemic world. Together, we are building a community where entrepreneurs can exchange advice, resources, and encouragement, ensuring no one has to navigate these complexities alone.
This focus on collaboration and care was also evident in our inaugural Food Saver Challenge. On May 2, we celebrated Crust Vegan Bakery as our first-ever Food Saver Challenge winner. Over the six-month challenge, participating businesses composted nearly 80,000 pounds of food and donated almost 6,000 pounds of food, contributing to Philadelphia’s ambitious goal of diverting 90% of waste from landfills by 2035. This initiative highlights the power of collective action and the significant impact we can achieve when we work together.
At the end of the day, it’s the people at the heart of businesses that allow us to continue to build upon our successes. Let’s prioritize our people, through self-care and fostering supportive environments within our businesses. Let’s celebrate the victories, learn from the challenges, and, most importantly, uplift one another as we navigate the path ahead.
Thank you for being part of this incredible community.
In Partnership,
Devi Ramkissoon
Executive Director, Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia
*Photo Credit: Jesus Rincon
Annual Highlights
Annual Highlights
In 2024, SBN continued to cultivate a strong community of businesses and organizations dedicated to building a just, green, and thriving regional economy. Through a dynamic mix of programming and advocacy, we empowered our members to achieve financial sustainability, embrace equitable practices, and foster environmental resilience.
This year marked significant milestones for SBN. We proudly announced our inaugural Food Saver Challenge winner, Crust Vegan Bakery, celebrating their leadership in waste reduction and food equity. We also launched new programs designed to support the people behind businesses and organizations, including our Business Clinics and the Board-led Business Circle Cohort, providing essential resources and peer support.
In addition, we updated key portions of our Beginners Guide to Sustainable Business, equipping entrepreneurs with foundational knowledge to integrate sustainability into their operations.
Our commitment to climate resilience took center stage with our first-ever Achieving Climate Resilience through Water Symposium, which convened experts and business leaders to explore solutions for a water-secure future. We also advanced the creation of SBN’s newest program, our Urban Forestry Initiative with the signature of our grant with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service. SBN’s government relations efforts also continued to drive change, from advocating for clean energy priorities to championing the newly reintroduced Sustainable Business Tax Credit, paving the way for a more sustainable business landscape.
Through these initiatives and a robust calendar of events, we fostered knowledge-sharing and collaboration. Our members explored best practices in sustainable business operations, connected with potential partners, and celebrated local sustainability champions. This dynamic exchange of ideas not only fueled innovation but also reinforced the foundation for a resilient and prosperous regional economy.
SBN has long been a champion of small, sustainable businesses – like my own – and I hope they continue to support businesses to explore food waste reduction practices.
— Meagan Benz, Owner of Crust Vegan Bakery
Impact on Planet
By amplifying the impact of a true triple-bottom-line economy that empowers local businesses to make systemic change, SBN identifies four industries that are making a significant impact on increasing climate resiliency within our region: water, food, energy, and urban forestry.
In 2024, SBN continued our work in these sector specific areas, completing our first-ever Food Saver Challenge, assisting our members in their clean energy pursuits, and advancing green stormwater infrastructure through programs and policy initiatives.
Impact on People
Sustainability extends beyond the environment; it’s fundamentally about people.
In 2024, SBN strengthened our dedication to creating more opportunities for businesses, organizations, and individuals to cultivate an inclusive network that prioritizes and promotes genuine equity. We achieved this through a variety of initiatives, including the introduction of new educational programs and the development of innovative ways for individuals to engage with and benefit from our supportive community.
Impact on Profit
Small businesses are the lifeblood of our local economy, and by cultivating opportunities and resources to support their efforts to grow and thrive, we’re able to help bolster growth and prosperity within our local economy. This past year, we supported local businesses in this effort through several ways:
FINANCIALS
During Fiscal Year 2024 (October 1, 2023-September 30, 2024), SBN’s operating budget was $620,510. The major categories of our revenue and expenses are highlighted below.
Goals
Looking forward, SBN anticipates deepening our work within our climate resiliency portfolios, offering programming, education, and community opportunities to foster sector growth and resilience, and improve our own internal systems.
As such, our goals for 2025 include:
- The launch of our Urban Forestry Initiative, funded in part by a multimillion-dollar grant with other area partners from the USDA.
- Better connecting businesses with policy makers by creating specific programming and activities for our members through funding the Lenfest Every Voice, Every Vote initiative and the City of Philadelphia’s Commerce Department.
- Completing round two of our Food Saver Challenge Year 2 with Saxbys, which will be completed by June 2025.
- Offering more business support services to our members such as starting cohort 2 for the Business Circle and continuing our Business Clinics.
