Small business, Big impact

Épisodes

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  Full circle brewing with Local Brewing Co 20.07.2026 36min

  What if beer could tackle food insecurity? Co-founders Nick Campbell and Paddy Muston built Local Brewing Co around a different model for business, donating one meal through Second Bite for every four-pack or pint sold since 2019. They’ve also gone further by brewing surplus bread and fruit directly into their beer, recently earning them a Coles Nurture Fund grant to turn rescued bread into a grain substitute other breweries can use.This episode is especially interesting for businesses looking at how to scale a giving or buy-one-give-one model. Nick and Paddy talk candidly about how their mission opened doors and built aligned partnerships that helped them through the growing pains, along with experimentation inside and outside of the kitchen and even some thermodynamics!Chapters(02:42) How an idea and zero experience turned into foundational partnerships(8:53) Transitioning from a giving model to recycling surplus food into beer(11:18) The hidden challenges of brewing with rescued ingredients(14:33) Getting the messaging right(20:39) Scoring sponsorships with Melbourne Victory and Hawthorn as a small brand(24:18) How the mission enabled growth and funding (25:43) Lessons in working with big partners like Coles(30:37) Advice for small businesses wanting to build a give-back model or rescued ingredientsAbout Local Brewing CoLocal Brewing Co is an independent, environmentally and socially conscious craft beer label founded in Melbourne in 2019. They also run a taproom and function space in Clifton Hill alongside being available online and through Coles, offering a core range of beers including a lager, pale ale and IPA, plus rotating seasonal and collaboration releases. Learn more about Local Brewing Co’s impact at https://localbrewing.co/pages/impactYou can also find them on Instagram @localbrewingau and @localbrewingau_taproom Brought to you by Small Mighty CSRFor more tools and resources for small business sustainability, check us out at smallmightycsr.com
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  Funding what matters with Red Hat Impact 06.07.2026 47min

  Traditional finance isn't always the right fit for smaller businesses, leaving many struggling to access the funding they need to grow. Cameron Neil has spent decades helping businesses navigate these challenges through innovative finance, while exploring how investors, governments, communities and businesses can all play a role in building stronger local economies.This episode is especially interesting for businesses wanting to think differently about growth, success and impact. Cam explores why many SMEs are underserved by today's financial system, how community-based approaches can unlock new opportunities, and why every spending and investment decision shapes the kind of economy we live in.Chapters(03:18) Where small businesses struggle to grow(08:50) What Australia can learn about supporting SMEs(15:52) The hidden networks that help businesses thrive(20:56) Thinking beyond profit: who really benefits?(31:52) Alternative finance models for small ad purpose driven businesses(39:42) Resources and future opportunities Further resources mentionedAustralian Anaemia by Ivan PowerCommunity wealth building and place-based capital in the Australian contextThe Place-Based Capital initiativeTim Jackson Towards a ‘Social Psychology’ of Sustainable ConsumptionTractor VenturesThe SMBX - Small Business Bonds MarketplaceResources on accessing capital: Business.gov.au or check your own state government business resources and state Social Enterprise NetworkInnovative Finance InitiativeAbout Red Hat ImpactRed Hat Impact is an impact investment and advisory firm that provides founders, entrepreneurs and business managers with capital, consulting and connections to grow businesses with positive social and environmental impact. They focus on building a finance ecosystem by designing purpose-built impact financing vehicles and using crowd lending to bridge the "missing middle".Learn more about their work at redhatimpact.com.About LendforGoodLendForGood is a crowdlending platform and marketplace that connects everyday lenders and institutions with growth-ready, verified social enterprises. It facilitates impact investing through debt crowdfunding and loan syndication to support businesses generating financial returns and positive global change. For more information, visit LendForGood.io. Brought to you by Small Mighty CSRFor more tools and resources for small business sustainability, check us out at smallmightycsr.com
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  Junk-free merch with Merchgirls 22.06.2026 46min

  Promotional products are often poor quality items no one wanted and are likely to go straight in the bin. So Pippa Joseph co-founded Merchgirls with the idea of making quality items that people actually want and use. In this episode, she shares how that translated into their ESG commitments today, including their philosophy of keeping things simple and treating supplier relationships like key hires.This episode is especially interesting for businesses who didn’t start out with sustainability at their core, but are facing the question of how to make meaningful changes. Pippa talks about how to navigate the greenwash and identify the actions that will work for your business, as well as work with your suppliers to align their practices.Chapters(01:26) Sustainable from the start or retrofit?(06:57) How ‘bring back the milkman’ helped them to cut the sustainability noise and focus on the right things(08:54) The products Merchgirls won't sell and why(11:44) ESG in procurement moves from "nice to have" to non-negotiable, and what they’re asking for(16:29) Where sustainability has paid off most(20:51) How to build an ethical supply chain and work with your suppliers to change and improve(35:10) The challenge of building an Australian-made range(39:46) Why making sustainability commitments public is a risk worth taking(43:44) Advice for other small businessesAbout MerchgirlsMerchgirls is an Australian, women-owned promotional products company offering branded merchandise, uniforms, workwear and corporate gifts. Working with clients across a range of industries, they manage the full process from design to delivery, with a focus on quality, ethical sourcing and long-term supplier relationships.Learn more about Merchgirls’ ESG commitments here: https://www.merchgirls.com.au/esg Or follow them on Instagram @merchgirls Brought to you by Small Mighty CSRFor more tools and resources for small business sustainability, check us out at smallmightycsr.comNot sure what kind of ESG goals would be relevant for yourbusiness? Check out our Sustainability Strategy DIY Guide to help focus on what’s most important and set out a plan to achieve it.
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  Greening the internet with Serversaurus 15.06.2026 34min

  Serversaurus was the first carbon neutral web host in Australia and a founding Australian B Corp – before most people even knew what those things meant. Nearly two decades later, they're still ahead of the curve with a 4-day work week and addressing the gender superannuation gap with an extra 5.5% contribution for female employees.This episode is especially interesting for service-based businesses who might struggle to see what aspects of sustainability are relevant to them or how they can make a difference. Marty is refreshingly pragmatic about what sustainability actually costs and why building things in early, however small, makes everything easier later.Chapters(02:11) Why the internet’s carbon footprint might be your business’ biggest impact, and what Serversaurus does differently(04:33) Why sustainability was built into the business from day one, and how it has evolved over 20+ years(09:21) How the four-day work week has affected productivity and employee engagement(12:11) Are sustainable commitments expensive? How Serversaurus works this into their financial model.(17:44) Flipping the script on ‘expenses’ (19:31) The carbon reduction versus offsetting debate – what should a small business do?(26:17) Practical advice for other small businesses About ServersaurusServersaurus is an Australian provider of web hosting, email and custom website solutions with on-call local customer support. Founded in 2005, they are members of the Green Web Foundation, demonstrating carbon neutral, ethical services backed by B Corp Certification and 1% for the Planet.Learn more about Serversaurus’ sustainability initiatives here: https://serversaurus.com.au/green-hosting-and-cloud-solutions-australia/Or follow them on Instagram: @ServersaurusBrought to you by Small Mighty CSRFor more tools and resources for small businesssustainability, check us out at smallmightycsr.comNot sure what aspect of your business or sector has the biggest impact, like waste in fashion, and where to focus your efforts? Check out our explainer on Materiality and the diagnostic tool at https://smallmightycsr.com/esg-materiality-assessment-for-small-business/
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  Future fit fashion with Citizen Wolf 08.06.2026 35min

  Most clothing brands start by designing products and then trying to convince people to buy them, with a huge amount going to waste when no one does. Citizen Wolf flipped that model on its head, building a business around made-to-order, custom-fit everyday apparel. The result is a business that has now produced more than 90,000 garments while being entirely zero waste and circular.This episode is especially interesting for businesses looking at established industry norms and thinking there must be a better way. Eric shares how Citizen Wolf built a completely different operating model, how sustainability went from a personal value to a core business pillar, and how being a naive outsider can sometimes be an advantage when you're trying to solve a difficult problem.Chapters(01:42) How Eric went from advertising pro to fashion newbie(04:00) The fitting room problem that sparked a new business model(06:37) How Citizen Wolf built a factory that makes one garment at a time, at scale(09:44) How sustainability went from an add-on to the heart of the business(11:50) What B Corp taught them about being sustainable(14:03) Why being a values-led business attracts the right customers, the “citizen wolves”(17:53) From offcuts to new fabric: how circularity works in textiles(22:47) Why Citizen Wolf's carbon footprint is half that of fast fashion(25:00) How they’ve attracted customer segments and partnerships they never expected(28:28) Why sustainability is no longer a differentiator (and what to do about it)(32:25) One piece of advice for any small business thinking about doing things differentlyAbout Citizen WolfCitizen Wolf is a Sydney based clothing company creating made-to-order, custom fit T-shirts, polos, sweats, shirts and other everyday apparel using its proprietary MagicFit technology. Manufacturing locally in Sydney using mostly Australian made fabrics, Citizen Wolf combines on-demand production, circular design, ethical labour practices and lower carbon manufacturing to reduce waste and challenge the traditional fast fashion model.To learn more about Citizen Wolf’s sustainability efforts, visit https://www.citizenwolf.com/pages/100-circularOr you can find them on Instagram: @citizen_wolfBrought to you by Small Mighty CSRFor more tools and resources for small business sustainability, check us out at smallmightycsr.comNot sure what aspect of your business or sector has the biggest impact, like waste in fashion, and where to focus your efforts? Check out our explainer on Materiality and the diagnostic tool at https://smallmightycsr.com/esg-materiality-assessment-for-small-business/
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  Low waste beauty with Adorn Cosmetics 01.06.2026 46min

  Briony Kennedy built Adorn Cosmetics with a simple question: why create products and packaging that just go to landfill after a single use? This led her to pioneer cosmetics and skincare refills and naked packaging, growing a multimillion-dollar circular beauty business that has kept over 220,000 cosmetics containers out of landfill.This is episode is especially interesting for product based businesses looking at the piles of packaging and wondering if there’s a better way. Briony gets refreshingly practical about building a low-waste model from scratch, and makes a compelling case that sustainability decisions and financial decisions actually point in the same direction.Chapters1. (02:51) From lounge room to low-waste pioneer (The early days: why she backed sustainability before it was a thing)2. (09:00) Building a different model from scratch(Finding ingredients, packaging and partners in a market that didn't really exist yet)3. (16:01) Making the refill model actually work (The operational, supply chain and commercial realities behind a circular product)4. (23:29) Finding the right suppliers as a small Australian maker (Why she brought fulfilment in-house and what she gained by keeping control)5. (30:46) What other brands are getting wrong about sustainability (Greenwashing, recyclability myths, and the real cost of excess packaging)6. (40:35) Practical advice for building a low-waste business (What to ask, who to surround yourself with, and why it's okay to stay small)About Adorn CosmeticsAdorn Cosmetics is an Australian made beauty brand creating mineral makeup and natural skincare for sensitive and mature skin using vegan, cruelty free, safe, toxin-free, responsibly sourced ingredients. Adorn has pioneered refillable makeup and skincare, naked packaging, sample sizes and build-your-own products so customers can get exactly what they need, no waste!To learn more about Adorn’s sustainability efforts, visit: adorncosmetics.com.au/pages/our-sustainability-initiativesOr you can find them on Instagram: @adorncosmeticsBrought to you by Small Mighty CSRFor more tools and resources for small business sustainability, check us out at smallmightycsr.comNot sure if sustainability is relevant to your business? Take the quiz: esg.smallmightycsr.com
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  Ideals worth spreading with 99th Monkey 02.12.2021 57min

  Nick Sheridan is Founder & Director of 99th Monkey. 99th Monkey makes natural nut butters, pure and simple, free from animal products, gluten, palm oil and GMOs. Their products are also carbon positive, having not only reduced and offset emissions all the way back to the raw materials and packaging, but also offsetting an additional kilogram of carbon for every kilo of nut butter sold. After years of persistence, 99th Monkey has ridden the wave of demand for sustainable, ethical products from their local farmers' market onto the shelves at Coles. This interview is part of the Small business, Big impact series, recorded 1 December 2021. Resources mentioned: 99th Monkey - buy some nut butter or subscribe for sustainability updates, recipes and giveaways - https://99thmonkey.com.au/ social media - new products and frequent giveaways - https://www.instagram.com/99th_monkey/ and https://www.facebook.com/99thMonkeyNutButters
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  Paying it forward with Goodwill Wine 17.11.2021 47min

  David Laity is Founder & CEO of Goodwill Wine. Goodwill Wine is a certified social enterprise donating 50% of its profits to charities chosen by its customers. Inspired by the outpouring of support following the Black Saturday Bushfires, David Laity decided to pay it forward and create a business that would harness the power of positive drinking. With labels like 'Love your work' and 'You deserve this', they spread good will up and down the value chain. We speak about social enterprise, the profit distribution model, attracting investment, social certifications and understanding customer motivations. This interview is part of the Small business, Big impact series, recorded 17 November 2021. Resources mentioned: Goodwill Wine - buy some wine, subscribe to the newsletter, or contact David at https://goodwillwine.com.au/ Social Traders Certification and Social Enterprise Finder - https://www.socialtraders.com.au/
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  Sustainability by design with Koskela 03.11.2021 37min

  Sasha Titchkosky is Co-founder and CEO of Koskela. This interview is part of the Small business, Big impact series, recorded 3 November 2021.  Koskela was the first furniture and homewares company in Australia to be B Corp certified in 2017. Its products are proudly Australia-made, GECA certified and carbon neutral. We speak about Koskela's commitment to sustainability across the business, local manufacturing, supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts, and climate goals.  Topics:  Welcome and introduction  Creation and evolution of a purpose-led business  Credibility and demand from conscious consumers  Following the leader - learn from sustainable brands that have gone before  What sets Koskela apart from other sustainable brands  Local manufacturing and finding your key differentiator  Attracting employees through purpose  Supporting Indigenous Australian culture and art  Benefits of the Reconciliation Action Plan framework  The global transition to net zero and how it will impact SMEs  Simple things to adopt in your business  Importance of setting ambitious targets to influence others  B Corp Climate Collective resources and collaboration  Koskela's sustainability superpower  Top tip for small businesses  Wrap up and resources  Resources mentioned:  check out Koskela's products and subscribe https://koskela.com.au/ climate action resources at https://www.bcorpclimatecollective.com.au/business-resource-hub explainer series on climate change, global action, business net zero commitments and taking action in your business at https://smallmightycsr.com/net-zero-cop26-explainer/ connect with Sasha at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasha-titchkosky-83a28522/
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  Fairtrade trailblazer with Etiko 20.10.2021 54min

  Nick Savaidis is Founder & Director of Etiko. This interview is part of the Small business, Big impact series, recorded 20 October 2021. Topics:  Introduction and background of Etiko  The Fairtrade system and certification  Working with ethical suppliers  Challenges and key success factors for selling an ethical product  Growth in demand from ethical consumers  Difference between startups that succeed and fail  Etiko's sustainability superpower  Top tips for small businesses   Resources mentioned:  Etiko - https://etiko.com.au/  Etiko Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/etiko_fairtrade/  Jinta Sport - https://jintasport.com.au/  Etiko Merch - https://www.etikomerch.com.au/  Fairtrade ANZ - https://fairtradeanz.org/
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  Banking for good with Bank Australia 07.10.2021 44min

  Jane Kern is Senior Manager Impact Finance at Bank Australia. This interview is part of the Small business, Big impact series, recorded 6 October 2021. Topics: Background as a customer-centric bank Demand and growth from socially conscious customers Approach to impact finance From carbon neutral to net zero Embedding culture across the organisation B Corp certification lessons learned Bank Australia's sustainability superpower Top tip for small businesses Audience questions - challenges in ESG, future plans Resources mentioned: Bank Australia's Impact Report 2020 https://www.bankaust.com.au/about-us/customer-centre/reporting/our-reports/corporate-report/2020-impact-report B Corp Impact Assessment https://bimpactassessment.net/ Climate Active https://www.climateactive.org.au/ Jane's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-kern-a0146364/
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  Keeping accountable with Global Reporting Initiative 06.10.2021 52min

  Robyn Leeson is Vice-Chair of the Global Sustainability Standards Board at Global Reporting Initiative. This interview was held in the Grow With Purpose in 2021 event, part of the National Sustainable Living Festival 2021. Day 2, interview 7. Recorded 9 February, 2021. Topics: Background on sustainability reporting Why do companies report? Role of standards like GRI Key principles - context, materiality, stakeholders Greenwashing, bluewashing and need for skepticism Creating trust with authenticity and balance Advantages of SMEs Examples of creative communications by SMEs Tackling one issue at a time Reporting standards and certifications vs ESG ratings Top piece of advice for small business Audience questions - accelerating change Resources mentioned: GRI's reporting data base: https://database.globalreporting.org/ Small Business Big Impact report - https://www.globalreporting.org/search/?query=small+business
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  Raising your game and credibility with B Corp 06.10.2021 45min

  Jimmy Bayssari is Founder & Head of Product & Risk at Project Everest Ventures and Certified B Corp Consultant. This interview was held in the Grow With Purpose in 2021 event, part of the National Sustainable Living Festival 2021. Day 2, interview 6. Recorded 9 February, 2021. Topics: Background and passion for social enterprise  Project Everest business model Validating ideas through community engagement B Corp Certification model Impact measurement B Corp Certification process Savvy consumers demanding robust certification Audience questions - common pitfalls, policy documentation Top piece of advice for small business Resources mentioned: B Impact Assessment (BIA) - https://bimpactassessment.net/ Introduction to B Corps - https://bcorp.torrensonline.com/catalog/info/id:359 Focus Framework: https://thefocusframework.com/ IRIS: https://iris.thegiin.org/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmybayssari/
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  Grants and incentives with BlueRock 06.10.2021 46min

  Millicent Brearley is Senior R&D Consultant and Grants & Incentives Specialist at BlueRock Accounting. This interview was held in the Grow With Purpose in 2021 event, part of the National Sustainable Living Festival 2021. Day 2, interview 5. Recorded 9 February, 2021. Topics: Navigating grants and incentives Innovation R&D tax incentives Incentives for investing in early stage innovation companies Applying for grants Clean energy, waste and recycling funding Top piece of advice for small business Resources available Audience questions - fee structure, female founders Resources mentioned https://www.bluerock.com.au/services/grants-incentives  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bebluerock
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  Crunching the numbers with CPA Australia 06.10.2021 48min

  John Purcell is Policy Advisor ESG at CPA Australia. This interview was held in the Grow With Purpose in 2021 event, part of the National Sustainable Living Festival 2021. Day 2, interview 4. Recorded 9 February, 2021. Topics: Background on 'ESG' and 'CSR' Accounting's role and view of sustainability Considering non-financial value Weighing long-term value against financial criteria Strategic business implications of SDGs and sustainability Role of accountants in considering and driving sustainability Top piece of advice for small business Audience questions - regulatory cost Resources mentioned: CPA's ESG resources https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/professional-resources/esg WEF’s Global Risk Report  http://reports.weforum.org/global-risks-report-2021/
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  Remaking manufacturing with Rethink Recycling Co-op 06.10.2021 43min

  Mat Card is President & Founder of Rethink Recycling Co-op. This interview was held in the Grow With Purpose in 2021 event, part of the National Sustainable Living Festival 2021. Day 2, interview 3. Recorded 9 February, 2021. Topics: Background on Rethink Recycling Co-Op The untapped resource of recycled plastic Addressing the lack of materials, machinery and support to recycle plastic Audience questions - support provided by the Co-op, market for plastic, 20-litre drums Gaps to achieve a circular economy Top piece of advice for small business Resources mentioned: https://rethinkrecycling.coop/  https://www.instagram.com/rethinkrecycling.coop https://rethinkrecycling.coop/ Membership - https://share.hsforms.com/1IzS2-WzcTvWNlfHjdZCJwA5d25g
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  Finding your why in business with My Daily Business Coach 06.10.2021 43min

  Fiona Killackey is Founder of My Daily Business Coach and Author of Passion Purpose Profit. This interview was held in the Grow With Purpose in 2021 event, part of the National Sustainable Living Festival 2021. Day 2, interview 2. Recorded 9 February, 2021. Topics:  Passion Purpose Profit book and the importance of purpose for business owners Finding your personal 'why' Focus on one thing where you can make a difference The word 'yet' and growth mindset Communicating about sustainability commitments Educating yourself to not get left behind the curve Audience questions - Ecosia web search Top piece of advice for small business Purpose and values attracts loyal customers Transparency and authenticity in marketing Audience questions - launching new initiatives, starting a business Resources mentioned: https://www.mydailybusinesscoach.com/ Podcast - https://www.mydailybusinesscoach.com/podcast Fiona’s book - online https://www.booktopia.com.au/passion-purpose-profit-fiona-killackey/book/9781743796184.html Or https://www.instagram.com/mydailybusinesscoach/guide/small-businesses-that-sell-my-book/17852902712381352/ If you’d like to support a small business while buying Fiona’s book! Values checklist - https://www.mydailybusinesscoach.com/shop/your-values-checklist Emotional and rational drivers pdf for marketing - https://www.mydailybusinesscoach.com/shop/emotional-and-rational-drivers-activity Personality Test - https://www.16personalities.com/
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  Government support for sustainability with Sustainability Victoria 06.10.2021 36min

  Nicholas Balgue is Manager Sustainable Business at Sustainability Victoria. This interview was held in the Grow With Purpose in 2021 event, part of the National Sustainable Living Festival 2021. Day 2, interview 1. Recorded 9 February, 2021. Topics:  Background on the government push and funding for sustainability Funding and programs for energy reduction and renewable energy Funding and programs for waste reduction and recycling Tips for businesses looking for opportunities and accessing funding Following through on opportunities identified Audience questions - startups, collaboration Resources mentioned: https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/Grants-and-funding Circular Economy Business Innovation Centre https://www.cebic.vic.gov.au/grants www.BusinessEnergyAdvice.com.au Register your interest for the new Solar Victoria small business program https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/solar-small-business
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  Working with business and government with Australia Post 06.10.2021 44min

  Susan Mizrahi is Chief Sustainability Officer at Australia Post. This interview was held in the Grow With Purpose in 2021 event, part of the National Sustainable Living Festival 2021. Day 1, interview 7. Recorded 8 February, 2021. Topics: Role of Chief Sustainability Officer Business drivers for corporate responsibility Sustainable Procurement Principles Sustainability at Licenced Post Offices How to win supply contracts by demonstrating sustainability Waste, packaging and plastic Small business sustainability survey and roadmap Top piece of advice for small business Banksia Awards category for small business Audience questions - challenges for procurement, fast consumption, partnerships Resources mentioned: Australia Post's new white paper on small business sustainability - https://auspost.com.au/content/dam/auspost_corp/media/documents/sustainability-white-paper.pdf The Banksia Awards, which have a small business sustainability category worth following for the case studies of the finalists. www.banksiafdn.com/awards/  Registration for this year's Banksia Awards (online) - https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/32nd-banksia-sustainability-awards-tickets-139321633757
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  Building a legacy with Family Business Australia 06.10.2021 40min

  Susanne Bransgrove, Founder & Director, LiquidGold Consultants and Greg Griffith, Chief Executive Officer, Family Business Australia. This interview was held in the Grow With Purpose in 2021 event, part of the National Sustainable Living Festival 2021. Day 1, interview 6. Recorded 8 February, 2021. Topics: Background and distinctions of family business Importance of sustainability to the family business sector Aligning family perspectives in business governance Building a sustainability vision as a family Role and drivers of different generations Example of a family business aligning around purpose Top piece of advice for family-owned business Aligning family, business and sustainability goals Resources mentioned: Greg recommended the FBA website especially for peer to peer learning with other family businesses - https://familybusiness.org.au Susanne's contact - https://www.susannebransgrove.com/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/susannebransgrove