Impact Series - ESG: More than a Buzzword. A Way to Make Your Company Stronger
Many investors expect companies to manage their environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues such as diversity and carbon with the same attention and effort that they manage their bottom line.
ESG encapsulates many issues, so it can be hard to know where to start. However, many entrepreneurs in a variety of sectors across Canada have succeeded in building inclusive and greener prosperity within their companies.
The benefits of incorporating ESG into a busines strategy have been proven to increase sales, create more engaged employees, and reduce business risk with creating strong resilience.
If you want to start making ESG a priority but don’t know how, this event will:
- Explain what ESG is – and isn’t
- Share stories of successful sustainable entrepreneurs who are already making it a priority
- Outline the global standard strategic planning tool used by many (B.Corp)
- Provide guidance on how to get started
Speaker:
Craig Ryan
Director, Corporate Sustainability
BDC
Craig Ryan is Director, Corporate Sustainability at the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC). He has more than thirty years of experience providing sustainability advice to decision-makers in business, government and civil society, including federal ministers and private sector CEOs. He never planned to be a banker but gave it a go upon learning that BDC was exclusively dedicated to people creating companies. Craig has a master’s degree in Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School and is a 2018 Clean16 honoree in recognition of his contribution to sustainability in Canada. He has served on the board of directors of Equiterre, one of Canada’s most influential environmental groups, as well as Rise, a national charity that provides microfinance and support for people who are building companies as they tackle mental health challenges. Presently, he sits on the board of the charitable foundation of NOVAlex, the only B Corp law firm in Quebec.
About GVBOT’s Impact Series
The Impact Series is an initiative of The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade’s Scale-up Centre for SMEs (SCS) which aims to help high-potential firms from various sectors overcome barriers to continued growth and elevate their growth trajectories. Featuring a variety of topics and industry experts, these monthly sessions in the Impact Series will provide small to medium sized businesses with useful resources, tools, and information needed to advance their company growth and make a positive impact on their companies and communities.
Presenting Sponsor:
Scale-up Centre for SMEs (SCS) Signature Partner:
Scale-up Centre for SMEs (SCS) Supporting Sponsors:
Scale-up Centre for SMEs (SCS) Community Partners:
