**Green Growth Programme Unveiled to Empower Small Businesses with Sustainability Gains**
A groundbreaking initiative aiming to help small businesses capitalise on the financial rewards of sustainability has been launched through a collaboration between Small Business Britain and BT. Termed the ‘Green Growth Programme’, this complimentary six-week online course is set to commence in September, providing small business owners with practical tools and knowledge to harness sustainability as a lever for economic advancement.
The programme’s announcement follows on from the Willow Review’s final report, conducted with government backing. This comprehensive study surfaces a significant economic promise for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UK should they adopt more sustainable business practices. The review’s findings draw upon fresh research, surveying SMEs already engaged in sustainability efforts, revealing that 67% of such firms witnessed a drop in operational costs. Impressively, over half reported the acquisition of new clients and approximately one third observed enhanced customer loyalty.
Despite these clear upsides, many SMEs remain hesitant or slow to integrate green measures. Barriers hindering widespread adoption include initial investment costs, limited practical understanding, and a lack of accessible guidance or training. The Green Growth Programme is positioned to address these obstacles directly, aiming to make the pathway to sustainability less daunting and markedly more achievable for small enterprises.
Michelle Ovens CBE, founder of Small Business Britain and co-chair of the Willow Review, emphasised the strategic importance of the new course. “There is clear evidence that sustainability drives business growth,” Ms Ovens noted. “This programme equips smaller firms with the inspiration, insights, and resources they need to embed sustainable practices into their operations, helping them grow purposefully with tangible financial benefits.”
Small businesses form the very backbone of the UK economy, with 5.45 million of them accounting for 99% of all UK firms and nearly half of business-related emissions. The potential impact of shifting these companies towards greener practices is significant, not only for the environment but also for the UK’s broader economic health. The Green Growth Programme recognises the pivotal role SMEs play in steering the transition towards a more sustainable national economy.
Speaking on behalf of BT, Chris Sims, Chief Commercial Officer for UK Business, echoed a similar sentiment, highlighting the prevalent challenges small firms face. “We know that small businesses want to go green but often feel overwhelmed or unsupported, making it difficult to start their sustainability journey,” Mr Sims remarked. “Our new programme delivers targeted and practical training, guiding business owners through actionable changes such as improving energy efficiency and cultivating eco-conscious customer bases, which can boost commercial resilience and success.”
Designed to be interactive and hands-on, the six-week course introduces expert-led modules that demystify the connections between sustainability, cost savings, and business resilience. Attendees will be introduced to accessible, cost-effective actions that can be implemented swiftly for immediate benefit. Importantly, the initiative recognises the value of digital transformation, including the use of AI and online tools to streamline business operations, enhance sustainable branding, and pinpoint green financing options.
One participant, Marinela Caldarus—founder of Art Group Classes—has already found inspiration in sustainable business strategies. “Incorporating sustainability has reduced our operational costs and fuelled creative partnerships, from sourcing eco-friendly materials to launching projects rooted in community involvement. Initiatives like the Green Growth Programme offer invaluable support, helping us grow while adhering to our founding values,” she shared.
By making sustainability expertise more accessible, the Green Growth Programme aspires to empower a new wave of SME leaders, equipping them to boost their financial outcomes while contributing positively to society. The hope is that, as these smaller firms flourish, their successes will serve as a blueprint for broader sustainable development within the UK economy.
Small businesses interested in participating in the programme can access more information and register for the upcoming course online. As the environmental and economic stakes grow increasingly intertwined, initiatives such as this may prove crucial in driving forward both green and financial prosperity in Britain’s business landscape.