65 Sustainable Development Business Ideas

Are you seeking sustainable development business ideas?

If you are an aspiring social entrepreneur, you have come to the right place. Social Sector Network is offering you 65 sustainable development business ideas, which are formulated around the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ranging from simple to highly technical, these business ideas provide something for everyone.

Feel free to reach out to us at the bottom of the page if you have questions, comments, or additional ideas for the list.

General Sustainable Development Services

Marketing consulting for SDG-aligned organizations

1. Copywriting

2. SEO

3. Market research

4. Web development

5. Advertising

Business development consulting for SDG-aligned organizations

6. Partnership and coalition creation

7. Lead generation

8. Strategy development for increasing revenue, creating value, etc.

9. Sustainable supply chain consulting

SDG research

10. Economic analysis of SDG data

11. Impact measurement

12. Progress reporting

13. Strategic recommendations

Investment around SDGs

14. Impact investment advisory

15. Public sector investment advisory

16. Corporate investment advisory

17. Impact investment fund/portfolio management

18. Due-diligence research

19. Connecting investors and entrepreneurs

20. Analysis of impact investment markets

21. Mergers and acquisitions in the impact investment space

Enroll in Our Free Online Course to Design Social Entrepreneurship Solutions

Social Impact Startup: Online Social Entrepreneurship Training

Specific Sustainable Development Products/Services

GOAL 1: No Poverty

22. Microfinance platform (could be combined with securitization mechanisms)

23. Native-language entrepreneurship and financial education platform

GOAL 2: Zero Hunger

24. Aquaponics farms in urban locations to sell vegetables

25. Agtech sensors to monitor crops and improve yields

26. Native-language agricultural education platform

GOAL 3: Good Health and Well-being

27. Micro-insurance for basic health services

28. Mental health monitoring app

29. Public health research, education, and data analysis platform

GOAL 4: Quality Education

30. Online courses that relate to other SDGs

31. Mentor network for people working on SDGs

GOAL 5: Gender Equality

32. Training program for women who aspire to become entrepreneurs

33. Mentor network for women in specific sectors

34. Platforms and technologies to reduce hiring biases

GOAL 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

35. Sensors for water pollutants and leakages

36. Technologies to reduce water usage in the agriculture and energy sectors

37. Human waste recycling

GOAL 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

38. Solar-powered lamps and devices

39. Technologies to reduce dependencies on expensive inputs for energy production

40. High-frequency energy trading (increases market efficiency)

GOAL 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

41. Finance and tech career preparation programs

42. Entrepreneurship training programs

43. Economic development data collection, analysis, and/or policy design

GOAL 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

44. Manufacturing software

45. 3D printing

46. Designing new reusable construction materials

GOAL 10: Reduced Inequality

47. Training entrepreneurs in emerging markets

48. Training workers in emerging markets for finance and tech jobs

49. Advising emerging market governments on empowering their populations

GOAL 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

50. Adaptive reuse architecture or construction

51. Smart city data collection, analysis, and/or policy design

52. Sustainable small business ownership (e.g. coffee shop)

GOAL 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

53. E-commerce with sustainable and fair trade supply chains

54. Consumer education platform on product supply chains and SDG alignment

GOAL 13: Climate Action

55. Forecasting the impacts of climate change on businesses and governments

56. Calculating businesses’ impacts on the climate and advising impact investors

57. Ride-sharing platform

58. Bike-sharing platform

GOAL 14: Life Below Water

59. Harvesting and selling invasive species

60. Sensors and technologies to prevent ocean pollution (e.g. oil spills)

GOAL 15: Life on Land

61. Nature tours (e.g. safaris)

62. Free-range animal farming

GOAL 16: Peace and Justice Strong Institutions

63. Government accountability platforms

64. Platform/consultancy analyzing ESG risk factors in regions around the world

GOAL 17: Partnerships to achieve the Goals

65. See Social Sector Network

Are you ready to pursue an SDG-aligned startup?

Enroll in Social Impact Startup and Learn How to Launch a Social Enterprise!

Social Impact Startup: Online Social Entrepreneurship Training

Use Social Entrepreneurship Skills to Pursue Sustainable Development Business Ideas!

Intelligence

Top 10 Technologies Social Entrepreneurs Should Learn

By Social Sector Network / November 10, 2024

In today’s fast-paced world, social entrepreneurs are leveraging technology to drive impact and solve pressing societal challenges. Understanding and utilizing...

Read More

Tags: AI, Career Growth, Data, Social Entrepreneurship, Technology

Intelligence

Top 7 Skills to Succeed as a Social Entrepreneur

By Social Sector Network / October 27, 2024

Social entrepreneurship is a dynamic field where innovation meets social impact. To thrive in this space, social entrepreneurs need a...

Read More

Tags: Leadership, Social Entrepreneurship, Soft Skills

Intelligence

8 Methods to Make Efficient Social Enterprises

By Social Sector Network / October 13, 2024

Efficiency is critical for social enterprises striving to maximize their impact with limited resources. By adopting strategies that streamline operations...

Read More

Tags: automation, Business Strategy, efficiency, social enterprises

Opportunities

Entrepreneurship Opportunities When China Youth Unemployment is High

By Social Sector Network / September 29, 2024

High unemployment can be a daunting challenge, but it also presents a unique opportunity for young people in China to...

Read More

Tags: Business Ideas, China, Entrepreneurship, Youth Unemployment

Opportunities

22 Recession-Proof Social Enterprise Ideas

By Social Sector Network / September 15, 2024

During a recession, social enterprises play a crucial role in addressing societal challenges while also contributing to economic resilience. Here...

Read More

Tags: Business Ideas, recession, Social Entrepreneurship

Intelligence

How to Start a Business When You Have No Ideas

By Social Sector Network / September 1, 2024

Starting a business can be an exhilarating journey, but it often begins with a fundamental challenge: finding the right idea....

Read More

Tags: AI, Business Ideas, Entrepreneurship, Startup

Opportunities

23 ESG Jobs and How to Land Them

By Social Sector Network / August 18, 2024

As businesses increasingly focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues, the demand for skilled professionals in this field is...

Read More

Tags: career advice, ESG, esg jobs, Sustainability

Intelligence

Adapt to AI Impact on Search Volume Using Semrush

By Social Sector Network / August 11, 2024

As AI continues to reshape the digital landscape, one notable shift is the decrease in traditional search engine query volume....

Read More

Tags: AI, marketing, semrush, seo

Intelligence Opportunities

10 Largest Problems for Social Entrepreneurs to Solve by 2050

By Social Sector Network / August 4, 2024

As we look toward the future, the world faces a myriad of challenges that will require innovative solutions. Social entrepreneurs,...

Read More

Tags: Climate Change, Healthcare, social entrepreneurs, Sustainability

Intelligence

Turning Customers into Repeat Buyers: Strategies for Social Entrepreneurs

By Social Sector Network / July 21, 2024

For social entrepreneurs, building a loyal customer base is crucial not only for financial sustainability but also for advancing their...

Read More

Tags: Business Strategy, customer retention, Social Enterprise

Intelligence

Cultivating Sustainability: 7 Innovations Reshaping the Food Industry

By Social Sector Network / June 30, 2024

In an era of increasing environmental awareness and concern over food security, the global food industry is undergoing a profound...

Read More

Tags: farming, Food, food waste, Sustainability

Opportunities

Revitalizing Urban Spaces: 10 Creative Uses for Empty Storefronts

By Social Sector Network / June 23, 2024

In many cities, empty storefronts have become a common sight, symbolizing economic challenges and shifts in retail landscapes. However, innovative...

Read More

Tags: Economic Development, Small Business, Storefront, Urban Planning

Intelligence

Building Tomorrow: Exploring 7 Sustainable Construction Technologies

By Social Sector Network / June 16, 2024

In recent years, the global construction industry has undergone a significant transformation, fueled by a growing emphasis on sustainability and...

Read More

Tags: Construction, Emerging Technology, Engineering, Sustainability

Intelligence Opportunities

How to Boost Customer Acquisition with TikTok Marketing

By Social Sector Network / June 9, 2024

TikTok, with its massive user base and engaging content format, has quickly become a powerful platform for businesses looking to...

Read More

Tags: Customer Acquisition, marketing, tiktok

Intelligence Opportunities

Beauty in Sustainability: How Cosmetics Companies Can Cut Emissions

By Social Sector Network / June 2, 2024

In an era where sustainability is no longer just a buzzword but a necessity, companies across industries are increasingly recognizing...

Read More

Tags: beauty, cosmetics, emissions, Sustainability

Intelligence

10 Robotics Innovations to Combat Climate Change

By Social Sector Network / May 19, 2024

In the face of escalating climate change, robotics innovations are becoming indispensable tools in the fight against environmental degradation. From...

Read More

Tags: Climate Change, climate innovation, Innovation, robotics

Intelligence

Navigating Toward Sustainability: 7 Innovations in the Shipping Industry

By Social Sector Network / May 12, 2024

The ocean shipping industry, responsible for transporting over 90% of the world's goods, plays a vital role in global trade...

Read More

Tags: Climate Tech, Innovation, shipping, Sustainability

Intelligence

Founder-Led Brands: Navigating the Pros and Cons of Entrepreneurial Leadership

By Social Sector Network / May 5, 2024

Founder-led brands have become synonymous with innovation, passion, and a personal touch. In this blog post, we will delve into...

Read More

Tags: brand, Entrepreneurship, founder, marketing

Intelligence

Venture Capital Timing: 5 Macroeconomic Factors to Consider

By Social Sector Network / April 28, 2024

Venture capital can be a game-changer for startups looking to scale and grow rapidly. However, timing is crucial when it...

Read More

Tags: economics, Interest Rates, Startups, Venture Capital

Intelligence

How to Choose Products for Direct-to-Consumer Sales

By Social Sector Network / April 21, 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of e-commerce, the decision of what products to sell direct to consumers can make or break...

Read More

Tags: Business Strategy, D2C, Ecommerce

{"slides_column":1,"slides_scroll":1,"dots":"true","arrows":"true","autoplay":"true","autoplay_interval":2000,"speed":300,"lazyload":""}