Don’t Wait Until You’re Forced: ESG Is Coming for Your Business
Here’s the truth most people don’t want to say out loud:
If you’re a woman running a business, tendering for contracts, chasing grants, or wanting to work with government or corporates — ESG is coming for you.
ESG stands for Environmental, Social, Governance. Sounds like alphabet soup, right? But let me translate: it’s about how you treat people, how you impact the planet, and how you run your business behind the scenes.
And here’s the kicker — from January 2025, it’s law in Australia. ASX-listed companies have to start reporting. Medium-sized businesses follow in 2026. Others in 2027.
Which means every supplier, every contractor, every woman-led SME in the supply chain? Yep. That’s you.
If it hasn’t landed in your inbox yet, it will. Someone’s going to ask for your environmental policy. Your diversity statement. Your governance framework. And if you don’t have it? You’ll be on the back foot.
The Credibility Filter
Think of ESG like the new “credit check” for business.
You either have it — and get the tick.
Or you don’t — and miss out on the contract, the grant, the deal.
But here’s where I want you to flip the script. This isn’t just about compliance. This is about credibility. About proving you’re serious about doing business the right way. About standing out from the crowd, not scrambling at the last minute.
The Bonus Nobody Talks About
Here’s what most people miss: the stuff you need to get ESG verified — the systems, policies, procedures — these aren’t just hoops to jump through.
They’re the things that add value to your business.
- Systems that run without you.
- Processes that keep things humming.
- Policies that protect you.
Tick, tick, tick.
And here’s the gold: these are the same things buyers and investors look for when you’re planning your exit strategy. So by doing ESG now, you’re not only future-proofing tenders and grants… you’re literally making your business worth more.
Why Wait to Be Forced?
You’ve got two choices.
- Stick your head in the sand until the tender closes and realise you can’t pull the report together in time.
- Or… get ahead of the game.
Because here’s what happens when you do:
- You leapfrog the competition who are scrambling.
- You build instant trust with clients and funders.
- You add financial value to your business — today and tomorrow.
That’s not just compliance. That’s smart strategy.
A Woman’s Advantage
Let’s be real: women already lead with values. We care about our people. We care about community. We care about the way business feels. ESG is simply putting those values on paper in a way that corporates and government bodies can measure.
It’s not something to fear. It’s a chance to lead.
Here’s Where I Come In
I’m one of only two accredited ESG advisors in Australia. My job? To take the overwhelm out of this and make it simple. No jargon. No ivory tower. Just a straight pathway to getting you verified — with the systems and support you need.
So, here’s my ask of you: don’t wait until you’re forced. Don’t wait until the grant deadline is days away.
Get ahead of the game now.
Your tenders, your contracts, your funding — and yes, even your exit strategy — may well depend on it.
Grab some time with Joanne to discuss – https://navig8biz.com/home-esg-reporting-page
