Sustainable Business Network of Central Arkansas

Mission

The Sustainable Business Network of Central Arkansas (SBNCA) is a membership-based organization to serve the needs of the growing sustainable and green business community in Central Arkansas. We are a local chapter of the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE). We are an organization that supports the growth and development of a local sustainable business community. We work in synergy with the local business community to preserve natural, economic, and social systems for a strong, healthy, and vibrant community future. The SNBCA is a networking, mentoring, and informational resource to further the development of sustainable business practices throughout central Arkansas.

Vision

Every business a sustainable business.

Goals

  • Long-term growth and survival of the local business community.
  • Advancement of sustainable business practices and operations throughout the local business community, including the development and sharing of best practices.
  • Increased collaboration, networking, and support among local business leaders to support sustainable communities.
  • Promote the preservation of environmental, economic, and social systems through daily business operations.

Programs & Services

  • Speakers Bureau - SBNCA staff and member businesses speak at events across the area; matching the speaking request with the member's area of expertise. Contact us if you need a speaker for your next event.
  • Sustainable Business Directory for Central Arkansas - printable PDF file and an online searchable index to help the public find the kind of sustainable business products/services they are seeking.
  • Networking Events - quarterly events to allow member businesses to interact, network, and share experiences and knowledge. Check out our Calendar for the next SBNCA Networking Event.
  • "Local First" Campaigns - annual events to promote and highlight the local business community.
  • Sustainable Business Certification - a tiered level certification for those businesses desiring to be more deeply engaged in sustainable business practices. Learn more about how your business can earn a Sustainable Business Certification.
  • Trainings & Workshops - on general topics of interest to help those businesses considering adopting sustainable business practices as well as more advanced topics of interest to those businesses already well into the process. Check out our Calendar of upcoming trainings, workshops, and other events.
  • Information Resource - visit our Resources page for information, tips, and guidance on sustainable business practices.

SBNCA History

In the midst of the growing sustainable lifestyles movement in Central Arkansas, there existed a void in serving the business community in advancing sustainable business practices.  Through the vision of Nancy Landrum (Sustainable Business Design Consulting) and Shelley Green (The Green Corner Store) and by joining forces with Mark Robertson (MESA Landscape Architects, Inc.) and Ron Hughes (HERS, Inc.), the four business leaders founded the Sustainable Business Network of Central Arkansas during the summer of 2009.

About BALLE

The Business Alliance for Local Living Economies, or BALLE, is the world's fastest growing network of sustainable businesses committed to building local economies and transforming the community economic development field. BALLE is comprised of more than 60 local networks of independent businesses in a variety of locales across the US and Canada. BALLE chapters exist in cities as diverse as Atlanta, Portland, Austin, Chicago, Washington DC, Denver, Santa Fe, Boston, Philadelphia, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Napa Valley, Seattle, Phoenix, and Toronto.

The Benefits of Supporting a Local Living Economy

  • A study of the west Michigan economy concluded that "a modest change in consumer behavior - a mere 10 percent shift in market share to independent businesses from chain stores - would result in 1,600 new jobs, $53 million in wages, and a $137 million economic impact to the area" (CivicEconomics, 2008).
  • A nationwide "survey of independent retailers in cities with active 'Buy Local' campaigns reported much larger increases in 2007 holiday sales on average than those in cities without such campaigns" (Institute for Local Self Reliance, 2008).
  • A study conducted in Arizona "reveals that public procurement from a local supplier generates 'dramatically greater local economic activity' than procurement from a chain business" (CivicEconomics, 2007).
  • 58% of Bellingham residents reported that "as a result of the (BALLE) program they are more deliberate than they were three years ago (before the program began) about choosing local, independently owned businesses first; 92% of business participants would recommend the program to other businesses in their industry; and 67% of participating businesses have, as a result of the program, adopted specific new practices that lessen their environmental impact and strengthen community" (Applied Research Northwest, 2006).

Focus Areas Within BALLE Network Chapters

The Sustainable Business Network of Central Arkansas (SBNCA) is a chapter of BALLE. The BALLE network of chapters across the country focus on:
  • Sustainable Agriculture - BALLE networks are working to strengthen their local food systems. The Sustainable Business Network of Central Arkansas includes a special interest group, the Arkansas Green Restaurant Alliance (AGRA), which works to be more environmentally-friendly in restaurant operations and which supports partnerships with local farmers and suppliers.
  • Renewable Energy - BALLE networks have started or nurtured renewable energy cooperatives and companies as a way of fostering more community control of essential energy supplies.
  • Zero-Waste Manufacturing - BALLE networks are engaged in the zero waste movement which calls for a 'whole system' approach to resource management that maximizes recycling, minimizes waste, reduces consumption and ensures that products are made to be reused, repaired or recycled back into nature or the marketplace.
  • Independent Retail - BALLE networks encourage communities to "Think Local First" because research demonstrates that supporting independent businesses has positive benefits for a community's economy, cultural heritage, civic engagement, and environmental well-being.
  • Community Capital - BALLE networks are creating new and better opportunities for community residents and business owners alike to financially support locally owned enterprise.
  • Green Building - BALLE networks are engaged in and support the green building movement.