Now more than ever, the world needs ecopreneurs. The global population continues to increase, and the world needs entrepreneurs to building a green business that reduces the environmental effects of human activities and protects the planet for future generations. Some examples of green businesses include sustainable clothing, cosmetics, and cleaning supplies; organic farming and gardening; and waste recycling.
If you’re ready to follow in the footsteps of green entrepreneurs such as Patagonia’s Yvon Chouinard, Burt’s Bees’ Burt Shavitz, or Imperfect Foods’ Benjamin Chesler, Ron Clark, and Ben Simon, this article from Line 25 Consulting will tell you how!
Your Green Business Plan
Like any type of startup, building a green business takes lots of planning and hard work — from conducting market research and choosing a business idea to writing a business plan and applying for financing. But fortunately, there are lots of great resources to help you along the way. A few of them include the:
- Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA shares tips for conducting market research, writing a business plan, obtaining funding, and registering a business. This process typically includes choosing a business name and legal structure and applying for an employer identification number (EIN).
- Green Places. This website can be used to calculate your carbon footprint and achieve carbon neutrality as an ecopreneur.
- Green Business Bureau (GBB). By joining the GBB, you’ll learn how to implement eco-friendly business practices, obtain a green certification, and secure the financing you need to achieve your goals as an ecopreneur. Startup fees vary, but the average cost of starting a green business is $13,936 — accounting for things like software, office space, inventory, and advertising.
- Chamber of Commerce. Join your local Chamber of Commerce to network with other entrepreneurs in your community, increase your business knowledge, and take advantage of free or discounted promotional opportunities.
Sustainable Marketing for Your Green Business
Marketing your green business will be crucial to your success as an ecopreneur, but it’s important to use environmentally friendly marketing practices that align with your company’s mission of reducing waste, saving water or energy, and/or giving back to the local community. Some green marketing practices are costlier than traditional marketing methods, while others can actually save you money.
As a few examples, you can use your website, blog, email newsletters, and social media pages to advertise your green products and services without the use of paper or other printed materials. You could also obtain green certifications from companies like GBB, Green America, and Green Seal, as these digital certifications can be displayed on your website and marketing materials. Additionally, working with an inclusive marketing consulting firm will help to ensure that your marketing is not only sustainable — but inclusive as well.
Greenifying Traditional Marketing Strategies
While digital marketing is typically more environmentally friendly than using traditional strategies that include printed materials, this doesn’t mean you need to ignore traditional marketing methods altogether. Business cards that have been printed on recycled paper, for instance, not only leave a lasting impression on potential customers and clients — but they’re also more effective than digital business cards and emails. Likewise, you can use recycled paper products or recyclable materials to create brochures, signs, and posters when necessary.
Online tools make it easy to design the documents you need to promote your green business, whether you’re looking to create banners, flyers, posters, business cards, or other promotional materials. As an example, you can use a DIY business card maker to quickly create customized business cards that include your company’s colors, logos, fronts, and designs. Or you can use online templates to create logos, advertisements, posters, or anything else you need to promote your green business.
Launch Your Career as an Ecopreneur
Ecopreneurship is a rewarding career path that truly has the power to change the world for the better, and you’re just a few steps away from launching a green business of your own. Whether you’re passionate about climate change, pollution, deforestation, waste management, or public health, there’s never been a greater need for ecopreneurs — and you’re just the person for the job!
Line 25 Consulting is an inclusive marketing team helping workplaces to become more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. Visit line25consulting.com to learn about the inclusive marketing consulting services they offer. info@michellengome.com
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