The fourth edition of Saint Lucia Business Month is being held under the theme “Sustainable Enterprises – People, Planet and Profit.”

This year’s aims, according to Permanent Secretary in the Department of Commerce, Peggy-Ann Soudatt, is to sensitize the business community on the value and importance of practicing economic, social and environmental sustainability, as well as incorporating the Sustainable Development Goals in business models and the decision-making processes.

“Investing in sustainability measures can foster opportunities for innovative business ideas,” she said. “Sustainable businesses are also good for the environment. Employees who feel that they can make an impact on social and environmental issues while on the job are twice as satisfied with work according to a study carried out by Reuters University. Sustainable businesses are able to cut down on energy and waste costs.”

Saint Lucia Business Month will be delivered in partnership with key public, and private sector agencies, in fostering and promoting the message of Sustainable Development among Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This will be achieved through a series of targeted events in the form of panel discussions, workshops, symposiums, consultations and business-to-business networking sessions.

Managing Director of Massy Stores, Martin Dorville, indicated that a business stands to benefit significantly by being more sustainable.

The core objectives of this year’s Saint Lucia Business Month is centered on meeting a number of targets, including promoting the discussion on the value of entrepreneurship, while highlighting the relationship between entrepreneurship, sustainable development and the sustainable development goals.

Several activities will be held from Nov. 1 – 30, to commemorate Saint Lucia Business Month.