Equity & Inclusion

Driving a Just Transition to an Equitable & Inclusive Economy

Why It Matters​

A just and equitable stakeholder-driven economy is one that prioritizes human well-being and inclusivity in an effort to  address systemic inequities, and must be supported by public policy, regulatory guidance and a strong democracy. Building systems that prioritize shared prosperity and long-term resilience for historically disenfranchised and underserved communities is core to our work. At the American Sustainable Business Network, we are dedicated to creating equitable access to resources and opportunities for all.

The actions taken in this area empower communities and promote a regenerative future for all, including:

  • Advocating for policy changes that promote equity in access to capital and markets.
  • Supporting inclusive business and investing practices that foster diverse ownership and leadership.
  • Partnering with organizations to combat systemic barriers faced by small businesses and marginalized groups.

Why It Matters​

A just and equitable stakeholder-driven economy is one that prioritizes human well-being and inclusivity in an effort to  address systemic inequities, and must be supported by public policy, regulatory guidance and a strong democracy. Building systems that prioritize shared prosperity and long-term resilience for historically disenfranchised and underserved communities is core to our work. At the American Sustainable Business Network, we are dedicated to creating equitable access to resources and opportunities for all.

The actions taken in this area empower communities and promote a regenerative future for all, including:

  • Advocating for policy changes that promote equity in access to capital and markets.
  • Supporting inclusive business and investing practices that foster diverse ownership and leadership.
  • Partnering with organizations to combat systemic barriers faced by small businesses and marginalized groups.

Economic and Workforce Equity

ASBN plays a pivotal role in shaping a new narrative of inclusive stakeholder and community-based business ownership — one that prioritizes justice-informed access to resources and capital to create opportunities for all. 

“The reason I joined ABSN is because of our marginalized Latino farmworkers, small-to-medium farmers and ranchers who need technical assistance in business management practices and business advocacy support to protect, preserve and make their farm and ranch sustainable.”
Rudy Arredondo
Founder and Director, Latino Farmers & Ranchers International, Inc., ASBN Member
$
0
Trillion GDP Boost

Advancing gender equality in the workforce could add $23 trillion to global GDP by 2050. (McKinsey Global Institute, 2021)

0
% increase

Companies with diverse leadership teams are 70% more likely to capture new markets and 36% more profitable than less diverse competitors. (Harvard Business Review, 2020; McKinsey, 2020)

0
cents per $1

In the U.S., Black and Latino workers earn 73 cents for every dollar earned by white workers, exacerbating wealth disparities.

Key Tenets

Empowering Marginalized Communities 

Ensuring fair access to resources, opportunities, and decision-making processes for historically underserved and disadvantaged groups promotes equity by addressing systemic inequalities and fostering diverse contributions that strengthen businesses and local economies.

Shared Value Creation

Designing economic systems that prioritize collective well-being over individual gain includes redistributing wealth, promoting high-road business practices, and ensuring that economic benefits and opportunities are equitably available for all stakeholders.

By prioritizing economic inclusivity, we can create opportunities and ensure a future where businesses work for the benefit of all communities, not just a select few.

Active Initiatives​

Advancing Economic Opportunity For Tribal Nations & Communities

We are collaborating with Indigenous and Tribal Nations to build an inclusive, sustainable, and just business ecosystem through a range of interconnected initiatives. This partnership empowers Tribal communities through capacity building, entrepreneurship support, and access to Tribal-public-private partnerships.

Our work includes convening business leaders, developing strategies for co-investment, sharing best practices for Tribal-led economic development, and amplifying Tribal perspectives to investors and decision-makers. Together, we aim to restore value to communities, address systemic biases and inequities, provide access to resources and drive regenerative growth that honors Indigenous leadership and creates a fairer future for all.

Small Business, Social Enterprise & Local Economies

Small businesses are the backbone of local economies and a critical part of building a thriving, regenerative economic system. Together, we are building the collective voice and power to advance campaigns and public policy efforts at the local, state and national levels to champion opportunities and reduce obstacles so that small businesses, social enterprises and local economies can thrive.

This initiative focuses on strengthening local economies by supporting stakeholder and community-driven development, championing policies that reduce barriers for small business owners, and fostering partnerships between small businesses, Indigenous entrepreneurs, and larger organizations. These efforts are key to driving mutual growth, sustainability, and long-term resilience for all.

Advancing Economic Opportunity For Tribal Nations & Communities

We are collaborating with Indigenous and Tribal Nations to build an inclusive, sustainable, and just business ecosystem through a range of interconnected initiatives. This partnership empowers Tribal communities through capacity building, entrepreneurship support, and access to Tribal-public-private partnerships.

Our work includes convening business leaders, developing strategies for co-investment, sharing best practices for Tribal-led economic development, and amplifying Tribal perspectives to investors and decision-makers. Together, we aim to restore value to communities, address systemic biases and inequities, provide access to resources and drive regenerative growth that honors Indigenous leadership and creates a fairer future for all.

Small Business, Social Enterprise & Local Economies

Small businesses are the backbone of local economies and a critical part of building a thriving, regenerative economic system. Together, we are building the collective voice and power to advance campaigns and public policy efforts at the local, state and national levels to champion opportunities and reduce obstacles so that small businesses, social enterprises and local economies can thrive.

This initiative focuses on strengthening local economies by supporting stakeholder and community-driven development, championing policies that reduce barriers for small business owners, and fostering partnerships between small businesses, Indigenous entrepreneurs, and larger organizations. These efforts are key to driving mutual growth, sustainability, and long-term resilience for all.

Historic Impact

2024

Created the Indigenous Youth Climate Resiliency Through Public Policy Program (IYCRTPPP), a 13-week program that empowered 20 youth from diverse U.S. Indigenous communities to drive change through a policy-oriented lens.

2022

At the White House Tribal Nations Summit, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland signed an MOU with the American Sustainable Business Network to support Tribally-led conservation, education, and economic development. 

2020

Launched the Save Our Economy campaign advocating for small and underserved business COVID relief.

2016

Played a lead role in writing, advocating for and passing the Crowdfunding bill as a part of the American JOBS Act.

2009-2016

Mounted campaigns to pass the Paid and Family leave bills in multiple states including NY & NJ.

Join ASBN​​

Join ASBN and be part of a powerful network of businesses using their voice to shape policies for a just and regenerative economy. Together, we drive bold solutions that put people and the planet first—because better business creates a better world.

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