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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
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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!
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Navigating the Shelves: A Guide for Social Entrepreneurs to Feature Their Products in Large Retailers
Art Meets Sustainability: Diverse Avenues for Artists to Thrive with Sustainable Brands
The Hidden Costs of Fast Fashion: Risks and Opportunities for Social Entrepreneurs
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