Environmental ethics valued by 91% of SMEs, says research

The global survey from GoDaddy found that Australian entrepreneurs are building sustainable practices in their businesses, with almost one-third (29 per cent) of respondents saying they have adjusted materials or goods packaging to reuse or reduce waste, 27 per cent saying they have implemented a plan to reduce their energy use, and one in five (20 per cent) focusing their business and marketing to attract Earth-conscious consumers.

Further, 16 per cent of respondents said they use their company voice to call for environmentally sustainable policies, and 36 per cent said they will only engage suppliers that are committed to environmentally friendly policies — almost double the global average of 21 per cent.

Despite the widespread disruption to business following the coronavirus crisis, 43 per cent of Aussie small businesses surveyed said as a result of COVID they’ve begun donating to charitable causes — the highest of any other global market included in the research (17 per cent global average).

GoDaddy Australia senior director of marketing Suzanne Mitchell said that while terms like adaptability and resilience have come to define Aussie micro businesses this year, values and a sense of purpose are clearly prevalent among Australia’s small-business community.

“Climate change is one of our generation’s most pressing issues, and our small businesses are emphatic in taking a stand and doing their part,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Australia is a nation that takes pride in supporting its own, and the strong ‘support local’ sentiment is clearly reciprocated by many entrepreneurs who say positively impacting their community is a key priority.

“In lockdown, an online presence was a crucial lifeline for small businesses so they could continue providing essential products or services for their communities, at a time when the need has rarely been greater.”