Goals and Objectives of the Workshop
In this roundtable workshop, we invited industry leaders and subject experts to delve into the challenges facing SMEs when implementing sustainability initiatives and the solutions that can help SMEs stay informed, agile, and proactive in accelerating such endeavors. Participants gained a better understanding of the tools and resources available to integrate meaningful sustainability initiatives in business operations to accelerate sustainable development throughout the business ecosystem.
With knowledge and insights shared by a co-founder of a social enterprise, an impact measurement specialist, and a sustainable finance expert, the panel discussion focused on:
- Challenges and solutions related to SMEs’ sustainability strategy and actions
- Tools and resources available to integrate and communicate meaningful sustainability initiatives in business operations
- Actionable ideas to incorporate sustainability into business settings
Outcome of the Workshop
A full recap of the workshop was published on our website here.
- The workshop was attended by 45 individuals, reaching almost full capacity (56 seats).
- Participants of the workshop reflected a diversity in age, culture, gender, industry, and expertise. This enabled effective, cross-sector knowledge exchange and relationship building in the roundtable discussion session. FSI staff and impact entrepreneurs from FSI’s entrepreneurial community were strategically placed at each table to inform the roundtable discussions and the broader audience in the sharing session.
- Participants seem to have found the panel discussion informative and instrumental to the design and implementation of sustainability actions for their businesses.
- Said Kaisha Woo, Founder of the social enterprise, Gowld Art Centre: “Sometimes when you are just figuring out how to implement sustainability initiatives and creating on a personal level from the bottom up, it can be overwhelming to consider the statistics and regulations and work backwards. The session served as a good reminder to think more on a societal level to scale the impact.”
- Said Kaylini Naidoo, Founder of Upeeling: “An incredibly insightful roundtable, thanks FSI and to the panelists for the thoughtful discussions and practical resources to look into!”