Taiga Company

Making the choice on becoming an entrepreneur can be a challenge unto itself but add to that the uncharted waters of being an ecopreneur.  How do you know where to start and if you have what it takes? 
 
Entrepreneur's article, "25 Common Characteristics of Success Entrepreneurs" list 25 home business must required to start, operate and grow a profitable business.  Following is a review of 8 of those characteristics from an environmental business perspective.  First, see if you have what it takes to be a successful sustainable business owner. 
 

• To begin, do what you enjoy.  Embrace your passion.  What areas of an environmental business inspire you?  By embracing your passion, you are creating meaningful work for yourself and others.
• Purposeful Planning:  Sustainable business requires long term planning for the business itself, as well as designing products and services with eco awareness.  Planning includes design, energy usage, resources and so much more.  Be sure to take a comprehensive approach in your planning for business sustainability.
• Manage money wisely: Consider managing cash flow as tools to not only help your business get off the ground but also as a means to integrate sustainability concepts to your business processes.  
• Know your customers and stakeholders.   Learn who your stakeholders are and connect with them.
• Level the playing field with technology.  The internet is a small business resource that offers exceptional functionality for sales and marketing.  Utilize online contact management software for sales and social media sites for marketing. 
• Build a top-notch business team with eco awareness.  Consider conducting all of your sales in the most eco friendly means.   This includes, bringing eco awareness to your meetings, sales, literature, travel, and exhibits.
• Create a competitive advantage.  Small businesses and entrepreneurs may be more equipped with the speed and flexibility to incorporate sustainability concepts directly into their business model.  Create brand differentiation through successful implementation of sustainability concepts in your small business.
• Design your workspace for success: Design your physical space with eco awareness.  Create your policies and procedures to support sustainable business practices like recycling, energy efficiency, using less paper.

 
Did you pass the test? Great!  The next step is to transform that creative idea into reality. 
Whether it’s looking on how to establish your business, where to find funding, or getting LEED certified, you are going to need small business resources to help you.  Following are resources sure to help any aspiring green entrepreneur.
 
Steps to Starting a Green Business

• Business.gov This is great for all the basics of starting a business from location, planning, funding, forms, etc. From the US Govt.
• Start a Green Business - Entrepreneur.  Great resources and tips for finding your green “niche” and using each customer as a marketing tool.
• Green Business Startup Ideas - GreenEcoServices.  Offering ideas for green businesses in your local area.
• US Green Building Council - This is the official guide for learning about and understanding what it takes to become LEED Certified.

As a professional consultant in the area of building business sustainability, it's rewarding utilizing the small business resources available to assist new environmental businesses get off to a great start.  Ecopreneurs bringing eco awareness to business contribute to positive change in the business world as well as help the planet.  At Taiga Company, we encourage new and existing small businesses to claim their position as sustainability leaders in the market and accelerate sustainable change.