STAY INFORMED

There are 19 B-Corp certified businesses in Westport (more than any other town in Connecticut)! And you don’t need to be brick and mortar to get certified.

What does it take to be a socially responsible business? You may have heard about B Corp companies who have been certified for meeting the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. Companies such as Ben& Jerry’s and Patagonia may come to mind. These companies are using business to help solve social and environmental problems facing the world.

Of course, not everyone can be certified as a B Corp. But that doesn’t mean that small businesses like yours can’t follow sustainable practices. In fact, doing so is good for both the planet AND your business! According to a 2019 survey, 77% of consumers are motivated to purchase from companies that are committed to making the world a better place. Your business practices matter. They matter to your customers, your employees and your community.

Socially responsible practices for small businesses

There are many things small (and large) businesses can do to become more socially responsible. Here are a few:

  1. Give back. Charitable giving to local organizations that are important to you and your customers helps you connect with your community, build strong relationships, and increase your company’s reputation. Put in the time to identify those organizations that align with your company’s values.
  2. Promote volunteering. Scope out events your team can participate in together, or offer employees paid time off to volunteer on specific dates.
  3. Focus on sustainability. Go paperless, implement a recycling program, and establish practices and policies that are good for the environment. Examples include composting food scraps and creating processes that reduce waste. Read more about these practices on our waste page.
  4. Make your space energy efficient. Small changes like installing energy-efficient light bulbs and a smart thermometer can save on energy bills and reduce your business’ carbon footprint. Read more about energy-efficient practices for businesses on our energy page.
  5. Encourage public transportation. Public transportation provides access to a quality, diverse workforce and can increase your customer base! Support and encourage public transportation. Consider offering incentives to employees who commute via public transportation.
  6. Purchase responsibly. Sustainability and profitability can and do co-exist. When making purchases for your business, source locally (the longer the distance a product has to travel, the worse for the environment), avoid plastic, choose ethical products that support quality working conditions and conserve natural resources, and choose eco-friendly products made from biodegradable, compostable or post-consumer content.

Equity

It’s impossible to discuss social responsibility without discussing equity. When we hear equity discussed in terms of business, it often refers to pay, however it means much more. Equity is about a diverse workforce – one made up of all genders, ages, and ethnic backgrounds – at all levels of the organization, and an inclusive workforce – one where all employees feel empowered to bring their unique perspectives to the table.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce guide to diversity, equity and inclusion is a great place to start when looking for ways to make your business more equitable.

Additionally, the Town of Westport has some remarkable organizations dedicated to increasing equity in the community. Read about them here.

TIP

Impact Growth Partners is a woman-owned Westport based consulting firm that helps companies measure their social and environmental impact and pursue B Corp certification.