It’s no secret that small businesses reflect the values of the communities they work within. Increasingly, that means embarking on a sustainability journey to show that their success is not at the expense of the planet.
Of course, that’s easier said than done.
Our research1 shows the cost of becoming sustainable, finding sustainable suppliers and lack of time and resources are the top reasons small businesses struggle to embed sustainability into their business model. Our award-winning2 Sustainability Action Tool can help small business owners understand how to lower costs and reduce environmental impact. Being agile, creative and innovative by nature puts small businesses in a unique position to lead by example.
Growing her catering company, Blak Tapas, has been a labour of love for Temali Howard, of the Jaru and Kija people from the East Kimberley region of WA.
“I’d always liked creating grazing boards for friends so the idea was to build on something I already enjoyed and that I knew people liked. I started selling boxes of meats, cheeses and fruits for events within the Kununurra community. I didn’t have access to a full-time commercial kitchen and I was still working my day job so I was adamant that I didn’t want to cook.
I wanted to focus on native foods and after testing bush foods out on friends, I started offering crocodile smallgoods, kangaroo dishes and other native ingredients. After a lot of hard work, I was able to leave my job in 2023 to focus on growing Blak Tapas.
Sustainability has been top of mind for me from the beginning. I source from local producers where possible to reduce our carbon footprint and I’ve always used reusable, compostable packaging. For me, it’s a matter of taking a look at the way we do things and asking, ‘How can we do it better?’
Kununurra doesn’t have access to domestic recycling but I’ve found ways around the issue by donating food wastage to locals who have chooks and using the local Containers for Change program, where glass bottles and cans can be recycled for money. We also take catering leftovers to a local community kitchen to feed people in need; there’s never only one way to be sustainable, it’s about thinking and evolving where you can.”
Answer a few simple questions to get easy-to-follow suggestions for lowering both your costs and your environmental impact.
The Federal Government’s Small Business Energy Incentive will give companies with an annual turnover of less than $50 million an additional 20 per cent deduction on electrification and energy-efficient upgrades.
Consider finance options that offer discounts for investing in new and used electric vehicles and equipment.
Want to reduce your environmental impact?
Explore useful resources and offers for your business with our award-winning2 Sustainability Action Tool.
The full version of this article was originally published in Brighter magazine.
1 CBA launches small business Sustainability Action Tool
2 Social, Sustainable & Responsible Banking Gold Winner, 2023 Qorus – Accenture Banking Innovation Awards.
This article provides general information of an educational nature only. It does not have regard to the financial situation or needs of any reader and must not be relied upon as personal financial product advice. The views expressed by contributors are their own and don’t necessarily reflect the views of CBA. As the information has been provided without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should, before acting on this information, consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and Terms and Conditions, and whether the product is appropriate to your circumstances. You should also consider whether seeking independent professional legal, tax and financial advice is necessary. Every effort has been taken to ensure the information was correct as at the time of printing but it may be subject to change. No part of the editorial contents may be reproduced or copied in any form without the prior permission and acknowledgement of CBA.
For more information about the available products and services mentioned in this publication – including Product Disclosure Statements, Terms and Conditions, Target Market Determinations and Financial Services Guides that are currently available electronically – as well as information about interest rates and any fees and charges that may apply, go to commbank.com.au.
