Simple Steps to Make Your Business More Ethical, Inclusive, and Green in 2025
What are your business goals for 2025?
by Jude Goodwin
As 2025 gets closer, small businesses in BC have a great chance to grow and make a real difference. By going greener, treating people fairly, and focussing on inclusivity, businesses can build stronger ties with their community, keep customers coming back, and help the local economy thrive.
As a small business owner myself, I love to use the final days of each year as an opportunity to go over my goals for the coming year. With the hectic lead-up to Christmas behind me, I can take some time to relax and mull. What do I want to keep. What do I want to change. Where can I do better. What will my priorities be. There are always things to learn and always things to unlearn!
If you’re like me this time of year, here are some easy, practical ideas to help you get started on setting goals for your business in 2025. I’m keeping this article short, but each of these ideas can be a whole article in itself.
Consider starting with a Good Workbook
I highly recommend sitting down with a good business workbook. One of my favourites is My Brilliant Year Biz and Life Goals Workbook. I’m not associated with Leoni Dawson but I’ve used their workbooks many years and the process is so good, especially if you have a business partner. I used to be in business with one of my daughters, and annually we would book a ‘retreat’ away from house and home where we would go through Dawson’s planner often page by page - analyzing what worked and what didn’t in the past year and mapping out our future year. It opens the door to discussion and planning and excitement too.
Another good workbook is Kerstin Martin’s Calm Business Review - which you can receive FREE by signing up to their mailing list. Kerstin is another business coach I personally recommend.
OK then, let’s dig in!
How Green are You?
Doing your part for the planet can be easier than you think.
Check How You’re Doing Now: Take a look at your energy use, how you handle waste, and where your products come from. See where you can improve. If you’re an online business, there are even ways to green your website.
Set Small Goals: Start with things like cutting down on plastic, using less energy, or recycling more.
Work With Local Businesses: Partnering with nearby suppliers has multiple benefits. It can reduce shipping costs and environmental impact since goods travel shorter distances. Supporting local businesses also strengthens the BC economy by keeping money within the community. Collaborating locally can lead to faster delivery times, better relationships with suppliers, and opportunities for joint promotions. For example, you could co-market products with a local producer or highlight their story in your advertising to appeal to customers who value community support. Building a network of local partners can also create a sense of trust and shared purpose, making your business more resilient and connected.
Be Fair and Honest
People want to support businesses they trust.
Know Where Your Products Come From: Make sure your suppliers are treating workers fairly and not harming the environment.
Price Fairly: Find a balance between making money and offering good deals, so more people can afford what you sell.
Understand your costs, including materials, labor, and overhead, and add a fair profit margin.
Check competitors' prices to stay competitive and meet customer expectations.
Offer strategic discounts like “buy one, get one” or seasonal deals to attract customers.
Use loyalty programs to reward repeat customers with discounts or perks.
Provide different versions of your product or service at various price points.
Bundle related items or services to increase value for customers.
Highlight why your product or service is worth the price, like quality or customer service.
Offer installment plans or financing to make higher-priced items more affordable.
Be open about your pricing to build trust with your customers.
Help the Community: Donate to local causes or volunteer your time to show you care about more than just profits. Find a good list of local 2SLGBTQiA+ Community groups and Places to Volunteer here on What’s On Queer.
Include Everyone
Making your business welcoming to all kinds of people benefits everyone.
Hire Fairly: Use welcoming language in your job ads and look for talent from different backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ communities.
Offer Benefits That Work for Everyone: Think about things like gender-neutral washrooms and health plans that support all types of families.
Support Local LGBTQ+ groups, businesses and organizations: Sponsor events or team up with organizations that help LGBTQ+ people in your area. You can find a good list of these in the 2SLGBTQiA+ Resources area on this website.
Get Started and Stay on Track
Learn Together: Bring your team together for short sessions to talk about being greener, fairer, and more inclusive. Groups like the BC Chamber of Commerce and Pride at Work Canada can help.
Check In Regularly: Every few months, look at how you’re doing with your goals and make changes if needed.
Let Your Customers Know: Share what you’re working on through your website or social media. People like supporting businesses that care.
Why It Matters
Setting goals to be greener, fairer, and more inclusive isn’t just good for the world—it’s good for business too. It helps you connect with customers, build trust, and even boost your profits. Think about one small step you can take in 2025 to make your business better for everyone. Share it with your customers and team to keep the momentum going!
