Mission and Values
Our Mission:
The mission of the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia 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 buisnesses and educating policy makers and the public.
How we accomplish this:
- SBN offers skills-building programs and mentoring for existing and future entrepreneurs; educational events open to the public focued on topics related to sustainable business practices; an on-line marketplace to enhance business-to-business and business-to-consumer relationships; and networking opportunties for doing business locally.
- We organize an annual business conference, the Social Venture Institute, and operate a marketing campaign, Buy Local Philly, to educate consumers about the economic benefits of supporting local, independent businesses.
- We host monthly seminars to educate business owners and concerned consumers about sustainable business and consumption practices, as well as a monthly Circle of Entrepreneurs to support and mentor emerging businesses.
- We publish a monthly e-newsletter of events and resources and publish a yearly print directory of local sustainable businesses.
- We convene the Green Economy Task Force, a coalition of over 500 people and 230 partner organizations that is working to develop a comprehensive green collar job strategy for the Philadelphia region that benefits low-income communities and local businesses.
- We conduct sector-specific research through the Emerging Industries Project to identify the best targets for linkages between job trainers and local employers.
Our Values:
Optimism – We are joyfully creating a hopeful future.Authenticity – We act with integrity and responsibility, continually striving to improve the social and environmental impact of our businesses, while recognizing that there is always further to go in acheiving sustainability.
Respect for the Earth – We base our decisions on respect for the earth as an interconnected, living system.
Cooperation – We engage in respectful and compassionate dialogue and encourage cooperative business relationships.
Community Self-Reliance – We value locally produced goods and local independent businesses that create an inclusive, just and sustainable economy.
Connectedness – We nurture relationships with community and place.
