Small businesses have an outsize role in building a more sustainable, resilient future for WNY. As May is Small Business Month, it’s the perfect opportunity to highlight how small businesses naturally contribute to environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
In this post, we’ll explore why supporting small businesses is a powerful sustainability strategy, how larger companies can amplify their impact through collaboration, and how SBR and other organizations are working to equip small businesses with the tools and resources to grow.
The Role of Small Businesses in Sustainability
Small businesses often make a big impact through the practical, day-to-day choices they make, choices that benefit both the environment and the communities they serve.
Even if they don’t always describe their actions in terms of sustainability, many source locally, generate less waste, and keep emissions lower by operating close to home. Their size gives them the flexibility to innovate, adapt quickly, and respond to the needs of their neighbors, all while supporting local jobs and reinvesting in their communities. Because they must be intentional with their resources, these businesses are often early adopters of more efficient equipment or find creative ways to reduce waste and reuse materials.
Whether through their products, services, or day-to-day operations, these thoughtful choices strengthen their business and their communities.
How Small Businesses Support Big Sustainability Goals
For larger companies with ambitious sustainability or corporate social responsibility goals, small businesses can be key strategic partners. By sourcing locally, they can reduce transportation emissions, create shorter, more transparent supply chains, and support inclusive economic development.
For many larger companies, partnering with small and diverse businesses is one of the most direct ways to invest in equity and community wealth-building. More and more larger companies are looking to work with local suppliers that align with their environmental and social goals and values. That means small businesses that prioritize sustainability or sustainable practices may be better positioned to win those opportunities.
These relationships between businesses help foster entrepreneurship, strengthen regional resilience, and support economic growth.
A Network of Support
Western New York is home to a strong network of organizations dedicated to helping small businesses grow with sustainability in mind, and SBR is proud to partner with many of them to support long-term business success.
SBR has collaborated with community partners and members to educate and empower entrepreneurs through programs like the Small Business Development Center’s Contract Readiness Program and BNMC’s IC Success Entrepreneur Accelerator. These initiatives help business owners explore sustainable strategies, whether they’re looking to boost efficiency, reduce costs, or position themselves to work with larger companies that prioritize sustainability in their supply chains.
SBR has also worked with the Buffalo Purchasing Initiative (BPI) to connect local businesses with major regional businesses such as Moog, Rich’s, M&T Bank, the University at Buffalo, and Catholic Health. These partnerships help open doors for local suppliers that align with sustainable and inclusive business practices.
Resources for Small Businesses Looking to Grow Sustainably
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale up your sustainability efforts, there are resources, training programs, and funding opportunities that can help.
Business Development & Support Services
Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) – Western New York
Free expert counseling and training for startups and existing businesses across the region.
🔗Buffalo SBDC (Erie, Wyoming counties) – Buffalo State University
🔗Niagara SBDC (Genesee, Livingston, Niagara, Wyoming counties) – SUNY Niagara
🔗Jamestown SBDC (Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua counties) – Jamestown Community College
The Exchange at Beverly Gray
A business resource center serving Buffalo’s underrepresented and BIPOC entrepreneurs with programs, mentorship, and workspace to support growth and success.
🔗The Exchange at Beverly Gray
UB Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership (CEL)
Peer-based leadership programs and practical business education for growing and scaling your business. Offers specialized tracks for minority and women-owned businesses.
🔗 CEL at UB School of Management
Intersect Buffalo
Empowers early-stage entrepreneurs from historically underserved communities through its flagship IC Success Program, a free, year-long initiative that connects participants with mentors, marketplaces, and essential resources to launch or grow their businesses. businesses.
🔗 IC Success – Intersect Buffalo
Empire State Development’s Small Business Division
Supports businesses with under 100 employees through access to programs, technical assistance, and growth strategies.
🔗 Small Business Hub – ESD NY
Environmental & Sustainability Support
NYSERDA Small Business Energy Solutions
Offers cost-sharing incentives, technical assistance, and clean energy solutions tailored to small businesses. Programs include energy assessments, equipment upgrades, and financing options to help lower energy use and operating costs while reducing environmental impact.
🔗Putting Energy to Work l NYSERDA
Small Business Environmental Support Office (SBESO)
Free, confidential assistance for navigating environmental regulations and improving compliance with DEC and EPA standards.
🔗 SBESO – Empire State Development
National Small Business Environmental Assistance Program
Offers compliance support and pollution prevention guidance for small businesses.
🔗 National SBEAP Network
Smart Steps to Sustainability Guide – EPA
A practical guide developed for small businesses ready to adopt greener practices.
🔗 Smart Steps to Sustainability
Locally Developed Sustainability Programs
Circular Economy for Small Business – WNY Sustainable Business Roundtable
A tailored program for entrepreneurs to learn how circular economy strategies can reduce waste, save money, and strengthen business sustainability. Developed in partnership with IC Success and funded by NYSP2I.
🔗 Circular Economy for Small Business – WNYSBR
WNY Clean Energy Hub
A regional hub connecting individuals and small businesses to clean energy programs, home and building upgrades, workforce training, and funding opportunities. The Hub helps businesses access tools to improve energy efficiency, lower utility costs, and reduce their carbon footprint.
🔗WNY Clean Energy Hub
Small Businesses, Big Impact
As we celebrate Small Business Month, it’s clear that small businesses are the heart of our local economy and key drivers of a more sustainable, resilient Western New York. Whether you’re a business owner, a larger company looking to partner locally, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, supporting small, sustainability-minded businesses helps create lasting environmental and economic benefits for our region. Let’s continue to invest in their success, because when small businesses thrive, our whole community grows stronger.