Resilient Sustainable Business

Resilient Sustainable Business Program

Empowering SMEs to Thrive in a Changing World

Purpose

The Resilient Sustainable Business (RSB) program equips SMEs with practical tools and strategies to embed sustainable business practices, enabling them to build resilience in a rapidly changing world. Through a hands-on approach, the program empowers businesses to strengthen their capacity to withstand system shocks, cultivate high-performance cultures, and achieve sustainable growth.

This SME-focused curriculum emphasizes real-world application, offering participants access to case studies, interactive workshops, and expert insights. These elements guide SMEs in integrating sustainability into their core operations, ensuring long-term success and adaptability.

Who is the RSB Programme For?

RSB is designed to meet the needs of African SMEs, from building foundational knowledge in sustainability to implementing advanced strategies that drive lasting impact. It caters to teams across all levels of an organisation—leadership, management, and emerging talent—who are seeking expertise in fostering sustainable, profitable growth and enhancing business resilience.

Program Content

Introduction to RSB Program

This introductory session will provide participants with an opportunity to connect with one another and establish a collaborative environment from the outset.

Module 1: Financial Management and Sustainability (virtual)

The module will dive into how to create financial strategies that support sustainable growth.

Module 2: Building a high performance culture (virtual)

The course aims to equip participants with the tools, knowledge, and strategies to accelerate their organization’s work culture towards one that fosters high engagement, loyalty, and excellence.

Module 3: Value Chain Management Framework and Supply Chain (virtual)

Dive into the importance of having a value chain framework.

Module 4: Value Chain Management Marketing and Branding (virtual)

Equip SMEs with strategies to improve marketing, branding, and stakeholder engagement for both local and international markets.

Module 5: Financing Sustainable Practices (virtual)

Provide SMEs with guidance on how to secure funding for sustainable practices and become investor-ready.

Module 6: Design Thinking for Problem Solving and Innovation (virtual)

Introduce design thinking methodologies to help SMEs address complex challenges and innovate in product or service design.

Closing Session - Impact Measurement and Management (In-person)

Participants will learn how to measure, manage, and leverage their social, environmental, and economic impacts for long-term sustainability.

Key Components

In-Person Workshops:
Two immersive workshops will provide hands-on training and opportunities for networking.

Expert-led sessions will cover foundational concepts, best practices, and real-world applications.

Online Sessions:
Six online sessions will offer flexibility and accessibility.

Live, interactive sessions with experts will delve into specific topics and address participant questions.
Sessions will be scheduled 2-3 times per month, ensuring consistent engagement.

Facilitators

The sessions will be led by subject matter experts with a deep understanding of African business contexts.

Program Pricing

$300

Price is for individual participants and is inclusive of VAT

Partner Pricing

Purchase 3+ course spaces

For networks and partners that want to purchase multiple course spaces, group purchasing has been enabled. If you are interested in taking up this offer please submit a request via hello@b-labafrica.net.

About B Lab Africa

B Lab Africa is part of the global B Lab movement, which aims to harness the power of business to create a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable economy. Our mission is to inspire and enable companies to meet higher standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access the training?

The Resilient Sustainable Business (RSB) training program is accessible online. Participants have access to the learning platform using the email used during registration.

How do I consume the content?

Weekly Modules: Each module spans one week, allowing you to focus on its content and engage with the material effectively.
Zoom Sessions: A live Zoom session with the module facilitator is scheduled once a week to enable interactive learning and discussions.
Pre-Work: Pre-work materials are uploaded to introduce the module’s topic and prepare you for the live discussion. It is crucial to complete the pre-work ahead of the session.
- Types of Pre-Work:
  - Introduction videos
  - Articles and research relevant to the topic
  - Case studies
  - Quizzes

When should I complete the B Impact Assessment (BIA)?

Self-Paced Approach: Participants are encouraged to work on sections of the BIA throughout the program. The BIA is used to identify areas of gaps in the current operations and business model of an entity. It will also be what is used to create an improvement action plan for the organisation.

Completion Goal: While self-paced, it is recommended to complete each section that is aligned to the module to avoid being overwhelmed by the entire assessment at the end of the program.

Support Available: B Leaders will be available to assist with the BIA for a predetermined number of hours if you require additional guidance.

What is the group project?

Project Overview: Participants will collaborate in groups of 4-5 to address a specific challenge relevant to one of the stakeholder groups covered in the program. Each group will work either on a company’s challenge or collectively support each other’s projects.
Support and Resources: B Lab Africa will assist in group formation, and facilitators with relevant expertise will support each group.
Project Deliverables:
- Develop a clear problem statement for the chosen challenge.
- Propose actionable solutions.
- Begin implementing the solution within the organisation. Implementation may extend beyond the program’s duration, with a six-month completion window.

Additional Support and Resources

Guidance: Facilitators, B Lab Africa, and B Leaders will provide support throughout the program.

Learning Platform: All resources, including pre-work materials, walkthrough videos, and recordings of Zoom sessions, will be accessible on the platform.

Off Weeks

The program schedule is designed to accommodate participants with full-time jobs. Off weeks are included to provide time for reviewing content, working on group projects, and engaging in discussions.

Closing Event

The program will culminate in an in-person closing event. These sessions will feature:

A workshop on impact measurement and management
Group project presentations
An award ceremony

Participants should dedicate at least half a day to this important event.

If you have any additional questions or need assistance, please contact the B Lab Africa support team hello@b-labafrica.net.