Centre for Health Promotion Research (CHPR)

How can businesses help create a better society?

Click here to view an interactive application about what businesses, social enterprises, government, and consumers/community can do to help businesses become more engaged in creating healthier and sustainable communities.

This interactive application is based on what was shared at a forum in February 2011. The notice of the event is shown at the bottom of this page.

Additional Resources

While some ideas were shared at the forum, there are more resources available for those who are interested in engaging businesses to help create healthier, sustainable communities. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Here are some resources to check out:

Social Purpose for Small Business
Source: Canadian Business Online Blog by Paul Klein
This blog post lists some practical ideas that small businesses could implement to support their communities.

Enterprising Non-profits Promotional Video
Source: enterprising non-profits
This video explains what social enterprises are.

Corporate Social Responsibility: An Implementation Guide for Business
Source: International Institute for Sustainable Development
This guide presents a systematic approach to help businesses, including small businesses, develop a strategy of corporate social responsibility.

10% of Sales Will Be Donated to Your Favorite Charity
Source: Canadian Business Online Blog by Paul Klein
This blog post provides some tips on maximizing investment in cause-related marketing, which has become mainstream.

Social Hiring
Source: Impakt
This video shows a case example of “social hiring” (employing job-ready individuals who have experienced difficulty entering or getting back into the workforce).

The Volunteer Continuum
Source: PricewaterhouseCoopers Canada Foundation
The document outlines the strategy that the PricewaterhouseCoopers Canada Foundation used to increase volunteer engagement rates and maintain high employee volunteer satisfaction.

Goodpurpose 4th Annual Global Study
Source: Goodpurpose
This news release reports on research that found that commitment to supporting good causes is increasing worldwide. The full report can be accessed through the Goodpurpose website upon registration.

Rethinking Capitalism
Source: Harvard Business Review (via channels.com)
This video shows an interview with Michael E. Porter, who is a Harvard University professor who published an article (with Mark R. Kramer) in the Harvard Business Review (2011) on the idea of “creating shared value.” The premise is that companies can create products and services that benefit not only the company but also society.

Sustainable Purchasing Guide
Source: Metro Vancouver
This guide presents an approach to sustainable purchasing with some examples of success stories. In addition to small- and medium-sized companies, the guide is also useful for large companies, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations.

Note: This is a past event. The notice below is shown for information purposes only.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011
2:30pm – 4:30pm
Vancouver Japanese Language School and Japanese Hall
475 Alexander Street (click here for directions/map)

Light refreshments will be provided.

• Network with like-minded people
• Ross Gentleman from Tradeworks Training Society will speak about the RONA Fabshop
• Louise Schwarz from Recycling Alternative will talk about hiring from the inner-city, green jobs and the benefits of values
• Mark Brank from Save-on-Meats will talk about hiring from inner city, supporting community, social enterprise and Business Improvement Associations
• Elizabeth Lougheed Green from Vancity Community Foundation will speak about the role of social enterprise in building a healthy community
• Shirley Chan from Building Opportunities with Business will give examples of how businesses can help create a better society
• Dr. Jim Frankish (Centre for Population Health Promotion Research at the University of British Columbia) will present research findings related to the 2010 Olympics and the private sector
• Brainstorm together to identify other ways that businesses can help create a better society

Small- to medium-sized business owners and managers may be particularly interested in this event. The event, however, is open to anyone who is interested in the topic of how businesses can help create a better society.

The goal of the forum is to encourage participants to learn, share, and network.

An educational, interactive application on how businesses can help create a better society will be produced from this event. Only notes will be recorded; no video cameras will be used. The anticipated launch date of the educational application is March 31, 2011.