Building A Business with Social Impact

When I started On The Rocks With B, I was not thinking about social impact. My focus was simple: to build a successful mobile cocktail business, serve great drinks, and create memorable experiences. At the time, I was consumed by the challenges that every entrepreneur faces—finding clients, managing finances, delivering quality service, and ensuring that the business remained afloat.

But something happened along the way.

Like many small business owners, I needed help. Running events required extra hands—people to mix drinks, manage logistics, and serve guests. So, I started hiring young adults from my community, many of whom were struggling to keep themselves in school. At first, it was just about staffing. However, over time, I began to realize that this business was becoming more than just a cocktail bar. It was becoming a stepping stone for these young people.

Initially, I did not think much of it. I was focused on running the business efficiently, and in return, they got jobs that helped them pay their school fees or support their families. But as time passed, I started to notice something profound. Some of the young men and women who had started with me in those early days had gone on to graduate, to build careers in different fields, to pursue dreams they once thought were out of reach. And some of them are still with me today, juggling school while earning a living—still on that journey.

This realization had a profound impact on me. What started as a simple business decision—hiring people who needed work—had quietly evolved into something bigger than I had ever planned. Without intending to, I had built a business that not only served cocktails but also changed lives.

Looking back, I now see that social impact does not always begin with a grand vision or an elaborate strategy. Sometimes, it begins with a simple act—giving someone a chance, creating an opportunity where none previously existed. Over time, those small acts accumulate into something truly meaningful.

This shift in perspective changed the way I approached business. I began to lean into the impact we were making, becoming more intentional about how we operated. We started sourcing our ingredients locally—not just for quality, but to support small-scale farmers and reduce our carbon footprint. We introduced sustainability practices, not because it was trendy, but because we wanted to contribute to a better future. And we continued to hire young people, not just as employees but as individuals with potential beyond the job.

There have been challenges along the way. Running a business with a strong social impact is not always easy, and there is always pressure to prioritise profits over people. However, I have learned that these two things do not have to be in conflict. By investing in people, we create a stronger, more loyal team. By making sustainable choices, we build a brand that people trust.

Now, when I think about success, I do not measure it solely by financial growth or the number of events we book. I measure it in the stories of the people who have passed through On The Rocks With B—those who have graduated and moved on, those who are still studying, and those who are carving out their futures in ways they never thought possible.
I never set out to build a business with social impact. But looking at what we have built, I would not have it any other way.

For anyone starting a business or anyone who would like to pivot an existing business into a sustainable one, my advice is to build sustainability into your business model. Consider your supply chain, your production process, and your team. How can you make choices that are better for people and the planet? These decisions might seem small, but they add up over time to create a business that stands the test of time—one that is resilient and adaptable in a changing world.
Sometimes, the greatest impact you can make is not in a business plan—it is in the small decisions you make every day. Who you hire, how you treat people, and what values you uphold—these things matter. And before you know it, you might find yourself building something far bigger than you ever imagined.

So, to all the aspiring entrepreneurs out there: the world needs your ideas, your passion, and your unique perspective. But most importantly, it needs your commitment to building a better future—one sustainable, impactful business at a time.

Adebimpe Sanusi is the CEO/Founder, On The Rocks With B