Future Proof your Business Program
Future Proof your Business: Climate Action for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
Climate change is already impacting businesses in the Saint John Region and beyond. Extreme weather, supply chain disruptions, rising costs, and insurance challenges are becoming the new normal. But businesses that prepare today will be more resilient, competitive, and profitable in the future.
The Saint John Region Chamber is proud to offer this course through the Future-Proof Your Business Program, developed in partnership with the Academy for Sustainable Innovation and supported by the Pond-Deshpande Centre’s NouLAB at the University of New Brunswick and Definity Financial Corporation.
The Future-Proof Your Business: Climate Resilience for SMEs program is designed to help small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Saint John Region understand the risks and opportunities that climate change presents, and take practical steps to safeguard their operations.
What You’ll Learn:
- How climate change is affecting SMEs, both globally and locally in our region
- Key risks to your business, from extreme weather to supply chain disruptions
- Strategies to adapt and build resilience, reducing operational and financial risks
- How to turn sustainability into a competitive advantage, attract customers, and cut costs
- Case studies of how different service- and product-based businesses might adapt
Program Format:
Step 1: Online Learning (Self-Paced)
Engage with a short ~1-hour online learning course designed for business owners. Learn how climate change is impacting businesses and how you can take action through easy-to-understand content, locally relevant case studies, and actionable strategies. Gain access to new knowledge, tools, and resources, including a customized, downloadable worksheet and guide for SMEs in Saint John Region so you can get started with building resilience, today.
Step 2: Interactive Workshop (In-Person Only: Coming March 2026!)
Deepen your learning in a hands-on workshop where you’ll collaborate with other business owners, discuss challenges, and better understand how to adapt to a changing climate. Hosted on March 11, 2026 - stay tuned for more details. Note: In preparation for this workshop, you’ll be asked to complete the 1-hr online learning course (Step 1) in advance. Spaces are limited, so register early!
Why Join?
- Protect your business from climate risks. Don’t let extreme weather, rising costs, or supply chain disruptions catch you off guard.
- Boost your bottom line. Learn how climate action can help you reduce expenses, access new markets, and strengthen your brand.
- Stay ahead of regulations. Big corporations and governments are demanding more sustainability from businesses—be prepared.
- Join a community of forward-thinking businesses. Network and collaborate with other SMEs in Saint John Region who are working on their climate resilience.
Don’t wait until the next crisis to take action. Join us and take the first step in securing your business for the future.