Generating long term profits is a typical priority for a business owner.  But more broadly, it is important that a business operates to meet all of the long term needs of the owner.

In general, the needs of a business owner involve personal and financial factors.  A review of the business will reveal if the business is performing adequately to sustain the desired results.

That review would consider factors such as the amount of time and energy required of the owner, the owner’s life / work balance, the image of the business in the community or industry, the cost efficiency of the operations, the available new business opportunities, the management of business risks and the bottom line of the company.

A sustainable business addresses personal, financial, social and environmental factors that can affect the business and determine whether or not the business is meeting the needs of the owner.

For any size business, sustainability can be a practical concept that can be addressed.