Making the most of the Network

You’ll find endless value in the wealth of advice, guides, tools, resources and events we offer all year round.

SME starting out in sustainability?

Becoming part of our Network makes it easy for a small or medium sized business to start out on sustainability.

Here are three things you should do first:

Claim your discounted place on our Starting out on Sustainability Series. This brings together our tools resources and experts. It guides you in creating a sustainability plan for your organisation. Plus, by joining our network you can complete a Sustainability Action Plan and have it checked by our experts.

Claim your free entry to events that interest you. As an SBN Investor you can come along for free to our breakfast networking and meet ups. You also get a 30% discount on our paid-for workshops, webinars and speaker events. We cover procurement, waste, the circular economy, climate action, nature regeneration and more. It's a great way to get the knowledge and connections you need.
Check out our “Sustainability 101” tools and resources. There’s a wide range of expertly created easy-to-use primers. You can learn about the benefits of a sustainable business. You can save energy. You can take climate action and read up on smart purchasing, flexi-working and much, much more.

Wise Boys Burgers

“Helped us believe in ourselves at a very early stage of the business.”

SME trailblazing on sustainability?

Becoming a member of our Network helps you to showcase your sustainability ideas.

Here are three things you should do as soon as you’re all signed up:

Check out the Sustainable Business Awards. SBN runs the nation’s longest running and most prestigious sustainable business awards. The finalists’ stories are a great source for cutting edge connections and collaborations. Prepare you entry for a chance to be recognised for your innovation and courage. It could be a big boost to your business.
Apply to be listed on our Circular Economy Directory. The country’s first business-to-business directory for products and supplies for the low carbon circular economy. Listings are exclusive to qualifying Investors in our network.

Tell us your story. We’re always looking for the latest and greatest ideas in sustainable business. We showcase them through our media channels and as speakers at our events.

Kath Dewar, Founder and Managing Director, GoodSense, SBN Board Member

“I was seriously considering getting out of marketing in 2003 ... but then I joined the Sustainable Business Network and found so many great organisations doing great work which needed help from marketers who shared their values.”

Individual/sustainability professional?

We love people who take SBN with them wherever they go!

As a new “friend of the family”, here are three things you can do to get the most from your investment.

Take our Leadership in Sustainability Course. The course has been designed, developed and honed by and for Kiwi sustainability professionals. It could be the next big step in your career.
Skill up and network with your discounted entry to our events. We have breakfast networking and meet ups, free for those in our network. Plus, you get a 30% discount on our paid-for workshops, webinars and speaker events. We cover procurement, waste, the circular economy, climate action, nature regeneration and more. It's a great way to get the knowledge and connections you need.
Use our tools and resources to inform your work. There’s a wide range of expertly created easy-to-use primers. You can learn about the benefits of a sustainable business. You can save energy. You can take climate action and read up on smart purchasing, flexi-working and much, much more.

John Berry, CEO, Pathfinder Asset Management

“On the SBN course as a group we covered how to make change by thinking differently and how to

take other people with you. The course absolutely helped me test ideas and shape my thinking.

The course provides a trusting place to open up, challenge and innovate. It helped me shape my thinking and gave me the confidence to launch.

Pathfinder KiwiSaver (initially called CareSaver) launched about six months after I finished the course. In a year and a half since it has grown to over $75 million, generated market leading investment returns and raised around $150,000 for our 17 charity partners.”

Major business?

Big players in our economy have a big role to play in sustainability.

We’re so glad you’re with us. We want to create the most powerful opportunities for you to meet you goals. We want to provide as many people in your organisation with value from your investment with us.

Here are three initial steps to take:

Get in touch with us! If there’s anything we haven’t covered in and around your sign up period, we want to know! We’d love to talk about how best to help you meet your sustainable business goals and aspirations. Email ayla@sustainable.org.nz now with your wishlist!

Spread the word through your organisation! Once you’re signed up to the Network all your staff can benefit. They’re entitled to complimentary entry to the Now Crowd, our network for new professionals. They can also access a 30% discount on our events. There’s also discounts for supply chain managers on our Procurement Activator Course. One up and coming leader in your organisation can take a complimentary slot on our Leadership in Sustainable Business Course. Line up your people to take advantage of the opportunities. If you have any doubts about your entitlements, get in touch.

Partner with us. Our cross sector collaborations are helping to transform Aotearoa New Zealand. Together, we’re building a vibrant low carbon circular economy. We’re tackling the major issues on climate change, waste and nature regeneration. We want you right alongside us, and rightly acknowledged for your leadership. We offer decades of experience. We operate best practice impact reporting. We promote your involvement throughout our established media channels. Check out the work we’re doing and contact us today to find out how you can get involved.

Jess Rodger, Sustainability Manager, IAG

“We’re currently working on a review of our corporate vehicle fleet, and we have connected with a number of other organisations in both the public and private sector through the Leaders Group who are on the same journey. Sharing experiences and potential solutions with these organisations has been invaluable.”