As the world becomes increasingly focused on sustainability and social responsibility, incorporating the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into business proposals has become a best practice for small businesses. However, many small businesses make mistakes when incorporating the SDGs into their proposals, which can undermine their credibility and effectiveness. In this article, we’ll explore four common mistakes small businesses make when incorporating the SDGs into their proposals.

1. Not Showing Context: Why Simply Mentioning SDGs Isn’t Enough

Simply mentioning the SDGs in a proposal without providing context or explaining how they relate to the project is a common mistake small businesses make. This approach can come across as insincere or superficial, and may not resonate with clients who are looking for a deeper understanding of how the SDGs align with the project.

For example, if you’re proposing a project to develop a sustainable energy system, simply stating that it aligns with SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) isn’t enough. Instead, explain how the project will contribute to the achievement of SDG 7, such as by reducing greenhouse gas emissions or increasing access to renewable energy.

2. Overusing SDGs: Why Less is More

Another common mistake small businesses make is overusing the SDGs in their proposals. This can come across as trying too hard or being insincere, and may dilute the impact of the SDGs.

For example, if you’re proposing a project to develop a new product, mentioning that it aligns with SDGs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 may be overkill. Instead, focus on the 2-3 SDGs that are most relevant to the project and explain how the project will contribute to their achievement.

3. Choosing the Wrong SDGs: Why Relevance Matters

Choosing the wrong SDGs is another common mistake small businesses make. This can happen when businesses try to force-fit their project into an SDG that isn’t relevant, or when they don’t take the time to understand which SDGs are most relevant to their project.

For example, if you’re proposing a project to develop a new software application, mentioning that it aligns with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) may not be relevant. Instead, focus on SDGs that are more relevant to the project, such as SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) or SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

4. Not Showing Where SDGs Fit into Your Solution: Why Integration Matters

Finally, not showing where the SDGs fit into your solution is a common mistake small businesses make. This can happen when businesses mention the SDGs in their proposal but don’t explain how they will be integrated into the project.

For example, if you’re proposing a project to develop a sustainable energy system, simply mentioning that it aligns with SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) isn’t enough. Instead, explain how the SDGs will be integrated into the project, such as by conducting a sustainability assessment or developing a plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

By avoiding these common mistakes, small businesses can effectively incorporate the SDGs into their proposals and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.