Scaling sustainability
Sustainability isn’t slowing down. It’s speeding up.
In a year marked by political pushback and regulatory rollbacks, many expected businesses to retreat from sustainability. But the International Business Report (IBR) data from Grant Thornton International tells a different story.
Sustainability is embedded at the core of mid-market businesses—they see it as a path to growth, not a compliance burden.
Our latest report explores how the mid-market is driving a more sustainable planet through continued investment and a clear strategic drive to make a change.
85.9%
of businesses globally
will maintain or increase their sustainability investment in 2025
47.6%
of Canadian businesses
say long-term profitability can be easily achieved by increasing their sustainability
72.9%
of businesses globally
will continue to report on their sustainability efforts despite regulatory rollbacks
Building for the future
Sustainability is no longer simply a box-ticking exercise for mid-market businesses—it’s a business imperative.
Our data shows that businesses are using sustainability to drive efficiency, open markets internationally, and build real business resilience. By investing responsibly—and with a purpose—mid-market businesses are demonstrating how to create a sustainable global economy that’s not only good for business now, but fit for the future.
Read on to discover the path the mid-market is taking to reframe the sustainability story.
1
Sustainability: The path to growth
In a year defined by economic uncertainty and political pushback, mid-market businesses are defying expectations. Our report explores how sustainability has become a strategic lever for growth, helping businesses outperform competitors and build long-term value.
2
Keeping a cool head in a heated world
With shifting regulations and rising scepticism, many expected sustainability reporting to stall. Instead, mid-market businesses are doubling down. We reveal how reporting is evolving into a tool for resilience, purpose, and performance.
3
A regulatory reset creates opportunities
Regulatory reform isn’t slowing mid-market businesses—it’s unlocking new possibilities. The IBR data shows how businesses are using relaxed regulatory mandates to align sustainability with strategy, expand globally, and take ownership of their journey.
4
Where next for small- and medium-sized businesses and sustainability?
Sustainability isn’t without its challenges. But mid-market businesses are reframing barriers as strategic questions—and finding answers. We explore how businesses are navigating cost, complexity, and uncertainty to build lasting advantage.
Ready to scale sustainability?
Business leaders are turning sustainability into strategy. This report reveals how and why it’s becoming a lever for growth, resilience, and reputation.
Download the full report now to see how mid-market businesses are building momentum and shaping the future of sustainable business
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