Launching today: Plan it with Purpose Ireland

Enterprise Nation has launched its Plan it with Purpose programme, designed to upskill 10,000 small Irish businesses in sustainable practices. 

Businesses will be trained in environmental and social governance (ESG) and climate resilience, thanks to this new partnership with AIB and GS1.

Raquel Noboa, founder and CEO of Fifty Shades Greener, said:

"Monitoring and reporting organisational environmental and social impact has never been more important than now. SMEs that have ESG strategies stand to get better financial rewards and funding from the public and private finance sectors.

"The first step for anyone embarking on an ESG journey is to measure, because what gets measured can be managed. Diagnostic tools that allow us to take measurement of our current status, are key to be able to identify opportunities for improvement in the different areas we need to take into consideration for transparent ESG reporting."

Free diagnostic tool

The Plan it with Purpose programme includes a free sustainability diagnostic tool on the Enterprise Nation platform. There will also be free country-wide events, including the popular Exchange series, which connects SMEs with corporates to better understand sustainability requirements to supply large-scale organisations. The first session will focus on food and drink with Sodexo, while other Exchange series topics include fashion, beauty and wellness.

Over 12 months, small and medium-sized businesses will receive free support via a purpose-built online platform, including a diagnostic tool, e-learning content and experts from the sustainability sector. The entire programme (including events) will run online, in an effort to reduce the impacts of climate change and increase social purpose for good within the Irish business community.

Emma Jones, founder 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, but for any business looking to partner or supply a larger company, it will inevitably be required for procurement. 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."

Use the Plan it with Purpose sustainability discovery tool

Answer some questions about your business and get a tailored action plan that tells you where to find support, resources and advice you need to be more sustainable. Take me to the tool