Carlow small businesses to become more sustainable through new upskilling programme 

Plan it With Purpose, a new programme to get small businesses ESG ready to support growth and profitability has launched.    

Delivered by small business support platform, Enterprise Nation, in partnership with AIB and GS1, and a range of ESG experts, the programme will encourage, upskill and support 10,000 small businesses to go green over the next twelve months. 

Over 12 months, small and medium size businesses will receive free support via a purpose-built online platform, including a diagnostic tool, e-learning content and access to experts from the sustainability sector. 

The entire programme will run virtually, including events, in an effort to reduce the impacts of climate change and increase social purpose for good within the Irish business community. 

The programme will also include the Exchange Series where entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to receive guidance on what sustainability and ESG measures  they need to factor in if they want to become suppliers to large corporates.   The first session will focus on food and drink with Sodexo.  

Other Exchange Series topics include fashion, beauty and wellness.  

Emma Jones, Founder and CEO of Enterprise Nation, said:

“Going green is no longer the preserve of large corporates. All businesses, regardless of size are now expected to have sustainability embedded in their business whether it’s packaging or production.   

“Not only do customers expect and demand it, for any business looking to partner or supply a larger company, it will inevitably be required for procurement. And yet, a third of Irish businesses are only starting to address climate change.  

“The drive towards sustainability has so far been customer-driven. What needs to happen next is for the small business community to respond and build responsible brands, while increasing profitability.” 

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Lorraine Greene, Head of Market Engagement Retail SME in AIB, said:

“We are delighted to once again partner with Enterprise Nation in bringing useful and insightful resources to Irish SMEs. Sustainability is one of many challenges ahead for SMEs, and the Plan-it with Purpose programme will assist SMEs to focus on achieving their sustainability objectives.

“Green lending now accounts for 23% of AIB’s new lending, showing the transition to a greener future is underway, and demand for green loans is strong.  AIB is committed to do more when it comes to sustainability and is delighted to support SMEs to take action now, recognising that sustainable businesses are at the heart of our communities across the country.”

AIB Research carried out in July 2022 and found that sustainability has become an increasingly important factor when making business decisions.

Over the past two years, 44% of businesses have demanded more sustainable actions from their suppliers or switched to more sustainable suppliers.

44% of businesses have also purchased more sustainable equipment. Only 33% of businesses have availed of advice from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). 30% of businesses reported that they had not availed of advice from any public body. 

The Plan it With Purpose initiative will help SMEs work out where they need to improve their performance and delivery via a digital diagnostic tool which will create an action plan and checklist to help brands define and achieve sustainability goals and offer relevant support and e-learning opportunities.