The New Year, A New Roadmap for Business Transformation.
By Devry Boughner Vorwerk
Why do stores stack containers and organizers at the front of their aisles at the beginning of every year? Why do they sell solutions for clutter and productivity right around New Year’s Eve? Yesterday, walking through Target, I couldn’t miss it—walls of bins, planners, organizers, and “life-hack” tools beckoning shoppers to embrace the promise of a fresh start.
These stores understand something profound: the psychology of the New Year. As humans, we are naturally inclined to use temporal landmarks, like the start of a new year, to reset, reflect, and recalibrate. It’s when we journal, dream big, plan, and declare resolutions. Yet, declarations and desires alone don’t lead to meaningful change. What truly bridges the gap between ambition and achievement is a roadmap—a clear path forward.
That’s why, on this first day of 2025, we are sharing the 2025 Business ESG Roadmap for small and midsized businesses (SMBs). This roadmap is more than a guide—it’s a call to action for business leaders worldwide to reimagine their operations for profitability, resilience, and impact in this evolving and volatile business landscape.
A ROADMAP for Transformation.
The 2025 Roadmap identifies 10 core steps that small and midsized businesses can use to set their course. It’s a journey from recognizing the importance of sustainability to integrating it into every facet of the business:
Leadership Intent – It begins with leaders committing to sustainability not as a buzzword but as a driver of long-term value.
Organizational Capacity and Governance – Building internal capacity, aligning teams, and creating accountability for progress.
Understanding Impact – Identifying the most critical ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) issues that affect your business, your people, and the natural environment.
Data-Driven Decisions – Organizing and analyzing data to track, measure, and improve performance.
Calculating the Footprint – Understanding emissions, resource usage, and the supply chain’s impact.
Setting and Improving Targets – Establishing clear goals that align with global sustainability standards.
Communication and Reporting – Sharing your progress transparently to build trust with stakeholders.
Engagement and Partnerships – Collaborating with communities, suppliers, and NGOs to amplify your efforts.
Integration Across the Business – Embedding sustainability into strategy, processes, and operations.
Commercializing Sustainability – Turning sustainable practices into revenue-generating opportunities.
Each step is backed by tools and insights to ensure businesses can move from intent to action, and from compliance to innovation.
From Roadblocks to Results.
Many SMB leaders assume that sustainability is only for large corporations with ample resources. That’s a myth. In fact, sustainability can become a competitive advantage for small and mid-sized companies. Implementing ESG strategies can reduce costs, mitigate risks, engage employees, and attract purpose-driven customers.
Imagine streamlining your supply chain to reduce waste while also cutting expenses. Picture offering products designed with sustainability in mind, making your business the preferred choice for the growing segment of conscious consumers. Envision your company as a respected leader in your community who is trusted for your transparency and impact.
The key is to start with where you are. The roadmap is not about perfection—it’s about progression.
What’s Your Starting Point?
To help you take the first step, we’ve developed a short survey to assess your ESG and Sustainability Maturity Level. Are you an Ostrich, Needy, or an Activist?
This quick assessment will help you identify where your business currently stands and which areas to prioritize. Is your leadership ready to lead the charge? Are your data systems organized? Have you calculated your environmental footprint?
The insights from this survey will give you a clear sense of direction and help you align your goals with your capacity.
Click here to take the Quick ESG Maturity Assessment.
Why Now?
The world of business is evolving rapidly. Customers, investors, and regulators demand greater accountability and action on ESG issues. The companies that act now will be the ones that thrive in 2025 and beyond.
This New Year is your chance to seize the moment. Let’s turn resolutions into results and aspirations into action.
Your Next Move.
Download our 2025 Roadmap and Maturity Maxtrix and complete the quick Maturity Assessment today. Contact us for a consultation to explore how your business can achieve its full potential—profitably and sustainably.
The New Year awaits. Will your business be ready for what’s next?