Over 35 years ago, a group of visionary entrepreneurs envisioned a new way of doing business—one that prioritized people and the planet alongside profit. Frustrated with an economy that concentrated wealth in the hands of a few while exploiting communities and natural resources, they sought to create a model that fostered equitable prosperity and environmental responsibility.
The movement gained momentum in 1984, when the Green Movement and Green Party took root in the U.S. Among the early organizers in Minnesota was David Levine, who returned to New York inspired to bring together like-minded leaders. At one of the first organizing meetings in New York, only eight people attended—one of them was Jeffrey Hollander. David and Jeffrey formed a unique partnership: David, an expert in environmental issues and political organizing, would mentor Jeffrey, a business leader, in these areas, while Jeffrey, in turn, would educate David on business practices. This exchange would later spark the foundation of what would become the American Sustainable Business Network (ASBN).
In 2009, David Levine—an accomplished social entrepreneur dedicated to developing whole-systems solutions for a more just, sustainable society and regenerative economy—founded the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC). His goal was to empower and mobilize business leaders to advocate for forward-thinking policy change that prioritized sustainability and social equity.
Building on this foundation, the American Sustainable Business Institute was formed in 2011 to be an educational partner to the policy and advocacy work of ASBC.
The American Sustainable Business Network (ASBN) was officially formed in 2022, strengthening the collaborative movements within the sustainable business community. ASBN also became the umbrella organization of our two key affiliates: the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) and the American Sustainable Business Institute (ASBI), strengthening the synergy between policy advocacy and educational initiatives.
In 2024, ASBN welcomed Camilla Taylor as Executive Director. A globally recognized leader in economic system transformation, Camilla has dedicated her career to driving stakeholder-driven economies. Prior to joining ASBN, she played a pivotal role at B Lab Global, the organization behind B Corp Certification, where she led impact operations and strategy.
Today, ASBN and its member associations collectively represent over 200,000 businesses across the country, spanning all industries and sizes. Through strategic partnerships, ASBN continues to champion education, advocacy, and systemic economic transformation, proving that sustainable business is smart business.
Our mission is to inform, connect, mobilize and amplify the collective voice of sustainable business leaders to transform the public and private sectors toward a just and regenerative economy.
ASBN serves as an umbrella organization encompassing two complementary affiliates:
Together, these entities create a powerful synergy, aligning advocacy, education, and collaboration to drive systemic change.
Umbrella organization encompassing two complementary affiliates.
501(c)(4) Network Development; Coalition-Building; Legislative Advocacy
501(c)(3) Education;
Research;
Narrative-Shifting
ASBN serves as an umbrella organization encompassing two complementary affiliates:
Together, these entities create a powerful synergy, aligning advocacy, education, and collaboration to drive systemic change.
Umbrella organization encompassing two complementary affiliates.
501(c)(4) Network Development; Coalition-Building; Legislative Advocacy
501(c)(3) Education;
Research;
Narrative-Shifting
ASBN serves as an umbrella organization encompassing two complementary affiliates:
Together, these entities create a powerful synergy, aligning advocacy, education, and collaboration to drive systemic change.
Umbrella organization encompassing two complementary affiliates.
501(c)(4) Network Development; Coalition-Building; Legislative Advocacy
501(c)(3) Education;
Research;
Narrative-Shifting
