The Sustainable Business Network of Greater Boston is an organization of business leaders committed to promoting high ethical standards in business, a multiple-stakeholder business model, productive and fulfilling workplaces, and environmentally sustainable business practices.  We aspire to share lessons learned regarding best practices both in the workplace and in relation to our greater communities.

SBN is Greater Boston’s chapter of a network of organizations across the U.S. and Canada called the Business Alliance for Local living Economies (BALLE), which promotes business practices that support the needs of all stakeholders. SBN's focus is on Eastern and Central Massachusetts. 

In 2006, the Responsible Business Association of Greater Boston (RBA) changed its name to the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Boston. This is more than simply a name change, our new name reflects an evolutionary change in the strategic direction of our work and in the programs in which we're involved. 

One major shift is a stronger orientation toward bringing together businesses who promote sustainability.  We have noticed that the number of businesses committed to sustainability has grown in Greater Boston to the point where there is a critical mass. The major emphasis of SBN is to organize and bring together business leaders who want to change the world through their businesses. SBN continues to welcome for-profits, business non-profits, cooperatives and individuals to join in supporting this important work.

SBN has recognized the opportunity to make significant progress toward a sustainable world, and we have hired an executive director, Steve Jones-D'Agostino (see our home page), to help us grow this work. We are in the process of expanding her work and bringing in other staff in order to maximize our ability to reach out and impact businesses in Greater Boston.

SBN has also ramped up our work in promoting sustainability in the Greater Boston business community. We are involved in a number of important initiatives that we think are making a significant difference in our world and in our community and include:

Business Summit for a Sustainable Boston

This series of meetings brings together representatives from the City of Boston with business and non-profit leaders who are all committed to building a sustainable Boston.  One of the highlights of this work is the establishment of a City of Boston Green Business Award.  You can check out the excellent work that is being done by going to the Sustainable Boston web site.

Local First Campaigns

SBN has played an important role in seeding Local First campaigns in the Greater Boston area.  Cambridge Local First is a strong, thriving network and Somerville Local First and Worcester Local First are gaining major momentum. 

International Symposium on Spirituality and Business

SBN is an active co-sponsor of this annual event.  March 23 will be the 10th symposium, which is sponsored by Babson College.  This event features successful business leaders who place values at the forefront of managing their business.

Annual New England Conference on Socially Responsible Business

For almost 20 years, SBN and its predecessors have hosted the longest-running local conference on socially responsible business. This year's conference will again focus on sustainability and features well-known and innovative business, government, and nonprofit leaders who are working to make a more sustainable and just world. 

Educational Programs

SBN/RBA has a long history of providing cutting edge educational programs addressing critical issues of our time. Our annual program with Boston College is just one of the many programs we hold each year to bring to light the new, innovative business practices that will help change the world. 

Specific Programs and Suburban Community Programs

SBN is moving forward on creating specific action teams of members who have a particular program that moves us toward a sustainable economy.  We welcome SBN members to start an action team that will promote sustainability.  SBN is also organizing businesses in various suburban communities -- for example, a group of Metrowest businesses is in the process of formation. 

By being a member of SBN, you are supporting the important work of building a strong business community committed to economic justice and sustainability.  The benefits include:

1.  Complimentary or discounted SBN programs

2.  Listing on the home page of our website

3.  Listing in our online Marketplace directory

4.  Being a part of a sustainable community of businesses in Greater Boston

Please encourage your friends and associates to join SBN today and help us build this important community.  It's a real value and it's easy to join by completing the application either online or on paper.