How to Become an Ecopreneur (And Save the World!)
As the planet’s environmental crisis deepens, the need to take action becomes more and more urgent. Individuals are the primary actors behind one of the most vital avenues of environmental progress: entrepreneurship.
Though, historically, business and environmental progress have had a tense relationship, successful businesses focused on protecting the planet promise to unite the creativity and financial interests of individual owners with ecological richness and the collective interests of society. The individuals with the ingenuity and dedication to start these green businesses are called ecopreneurs.
What is an Ecopreneur? - Benefits of Ecopreneurship - How to Become an Ecopreneur - 10 Great Green Blogs - 12 Awesome Online Resources
What is an Ecopreneur?
Ecopreneurs are the central actors in an incipient, bottom-up green revolution. Motivated by a myriad of governmental incentives, a rising consumer demand for “green,” eco-friendly products, and a sense of personal initiative, ecopreneurs are driving innovation through creative, environmentally friendly products and services, starting up new companies in order to catalyze environmental progress. An ecopreneur is an individual who approaches business with a mindset that profit and ecological good do not have to be mutually exclusive—business and environmental activism can form a symbiotic relationship.
Ecologically-inspired business encompasses variety of industries, from cotton umbrella manufacturers to producers of USB-drive made of paper. Further, new ecopreneurs are bringing an ever-expanding array of products to the market. Though these ventures all have the capacity to reap a profit, this is not the only incentive for those starting a green business. At the core, ecopreneurs are driven by their potential to leave a profound, positive impact on a planet in the midst of green revolution.
Benefits of Ecopreneurship
- Environmental activism has never been so financially rewarding—a study by the McKinsey consulting group finds that a worldwide investment in energy efficiency could return a 17% profit (The Christian Science Monitor).
- Not only do ecopreneurs assume responsibility for the general well-being of their planet, green businesses are often more profitable and attractive to investors than their polluting counterparts. (National Resource Defense Council: Green Business).
- By initiating positive environmental change, ecopreneurs often feel a sense of personal satisfaction and empowerment, a widely held sentiment among ecopreneurs that independent of sales or profits (Spotlight on Ecopreneurs: Leaders making a World of Difference).
- Many times, the most essential innovation begins with the creativity and vision of a few small businesses creators (Innovation Exchange).
- Several government institutions, from the Department of Energy to the EPA, provide numerous incentives, including financial and consulting resources, to encourage ecopreneurship.
- Even the smallest eco-friendly businesses can have a meaningful impact of the global environment—their decisions actively move society towards a greener, more sustainable future.
- Not only do their products benefit the environment in a very tangible manner, businesses started by ecopreneurs inspire a wider culture of sustainability and responsibility (Time).
- By managing their own businesses, ecopreneurs control where and when they work.
- By emphasizing the ecological benefits of their business, ecopreneurs bolster sales by attracting environmentally-conscious consumers, a subset of society which has witnessed dramatic growth (FairRidgeGroup).
- Similarly, after becoming certified as environmentally friendly, businesses can gain a competitive advantage through green marketing (Queensland Environmental Protection Agency).
How to Become an Ecopreneur
- Like any startup, new green businesses need to determine their legal structure, register a business name, apply for a tax ID number, register for taxes, and obtain any necessary local, state, or federal licenses and permits (Business.gov).
- From an administrative perspective, it is essential that any ecopreneur prepare a thorough business plan before starting up a business (Small Business Administration).
- In starting a new business, new managers should consider applying for in-person small business training and assistance from trusted sources (Small Business Assistance and Training).
- In order to reinforce a green reputation, ecopreneurs should ensure that their companies observe and report green business practices (Why Report on Sustainability?).
- In preparing to finance an environmentally-minded company, it is wise to consider applying for grants, loans, and venture capital targeted towards green businesses.
- To receive guidance in practicing green business practices, many new green businesses participate in an EPA operated stewardship program.
- In order to gain the green marketing advantage without being endangered by the temptation to greenwash, ecopreneurs ensure that their company receives appropriate certification from recognized institutions.
- In the case that an individual would like to manage a green business without starting it up from a blank slate, it is often wise to consider buying or partnering with established green businesses (Ecopreneur’s Guide).
- Indeed, a committed ecopreneur should enforce an environmentally friendly personal policy—green habits should pervade all aspects of an ecopreneur’s life (Ecopreneurs: The Changing Role of Entrepreneurs).
- Successful ecopreneurs assemble an enthusiastic green team of individuals devoted to actively improving the environment as well as efficiently operating a business (Ecopreneurship: Is it for You?).
- As well as manufacturing green products, successful ecopreneurs manage their businesses with environmentally friendly manufacturing processes and green corporate cultural values (Ecopreneurs: The Changing Role of Entrepreneurs).
- An ecopreneur develops a business concept focused on environmental progress and is willing to take risks with novel ideas in order to have the potential for a greater reward (The Essence of Ecopreneurship).
- Successful ecopreneurs find a business niche which simultaneously benefits the environment and complements personal passions (Business.gov).
- Though successful ecopreneurs value creativity and vision, they also plan day-to-day activities in order to avoid becoming overwhelmed (Ecopreneurist.com).
10 Great Green Blogs
- Ecopreneurist.com : This professional website provides original insights by ecopreneurs and aggregates articles of interest to those managing green businesses. Central to the underlying philosophy of this blog is that ecopreneurs can be a source of original innovation and can stimulate economic prosperity and environmental progress.
- Green Economy Post: This blog is particularly useful for ecopreneurs attempting to keep track of new sustainability trends in business. Rather than suggesting specific actions which individuals can take to reduce their carbon footprint, this website surveys general environmental developments in business specifically.
- The Green Suits: Directed at business people, The Green Suits features articles designed to provide motivation and resources for individuals as they explore green business careers. Their articles address both abstract concepts, such as the role of corporate social responsibility, and practical questions, such as the costs and benefits of green certification.
- Kristin Boekhoff’s Huffington Post Blog: Kristin Boekhoff is an ecopreneur who is in the process of realizing her vision of a sustainable resort in southern Bangladesh designed to preserve the cultural and environmental richness of the region. She writes about her experience in a unique style and with valuable insight for those concerned about the overlap between business innovation and environmental activism.
- Mother Nature Network, Green Business: This blog describes developments in green businesses, from new models local ecopreneurs can employ, like the benefits of buyouts for small organic frozen yogurt companies, to recent actions by multinational corporations, such as Ikea’s decision to phase out incandescent light bulbs. The wide scope and interesting stories within this blog is sure to inspire the budding ecopreneur.
- Sustainablog: This blog, updated almost daily, provides analysis of an array of germane sustainability developments, from new products individuals can purchase in order to reduce their ecological footprint to new government environmental legislation designed to accelerate societal environmental progress. Though it is not directed towards entrepreneurs in particular, it can aid ecopreneurs who are attempting to observe green lifestyle practices.
- Treehugger: This is a leading sustainability blog that is relevant for all those seeking to stay informed of environmental developments. With articles focused on the health of the environment in a variety of regions, it is sure to provide motivation for those seeking to create a corporate culture of environmental and social responsibility.
- Triple Pundit: This blog is maintained by a diverse community of business people from small businesses as well as large corporations. All articles advocate the “Triple Bottom Line,” the concept that economic, ecological, and social values should all be accounted for when evaluating organizational success. With articles about raising venture capital in difficult economic times to case studies of small ecologically-minded businesses, Triple Pundit is an invaluable resource for the driven ecopreneur.
- Valuestreaming: By emphasizing commentary on the green business movement and highlighting specific case studies in green business, Valuestreaming attempts to foster social and environmental responsibility among readers and throughout the world. Accentuating opportunities for businesses to gain a competitive advantage while simultaneously protecting the environment, this blog is especially valuable for the informed ecopreneur.
- World Changing, Business: Emphasizing that their central purpose is to “Grow Sustainable Prosperity,” World Changing promotes business and investment that are socially and environmentally responsible. With articles of both local and global interest, World Changing seeks to engage a wide audience of environmentally minded innovators.
12 Awesome Online Resources
- Business.gov: This government provided resource details how any individual can start a new small business; however, what makes this resource extraordinary for an ecopreneur are its guides directed at those seeking to start a green business. For example, the website describes useful management practices in a general guide for green business owners as well as a specific green-practices checklist for businesses seeking to have a green manufacturing process in addition to green products.
- DSIRE: This database catalogues the cornucopia of state and federal incentives designed to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. In the process of ensuring financial support for a green business, ecopreneurs should peruse the monetary opportunities on this database.
- Ecopreneurs: The Changing Role of Entrepreneurs: This PowerPoint presentation by Anshuman Khare, an associate professor at Athabasca University in Canada, describes the context which catalyzes the emergence of successful ecopreneurs as well as general attitudes and attributes common to them. In particular, it details the way ecopreneurs’ entire lives, not simply their businesses, are imbued in sustainable, efficient activities.
- EcoVentures International: This nonprofit organization aims to serve enterprise development efforts while offering environmental stewardship services. The organization provides resources for growing green businesses and hopes to stimulate economic activity while achieving progress towards a more sustainable future.
- Entrepreneurialism and Embeddedness: A Model for Ecopreneurship: This paper by Anne Clifford and Sarah E.A. Dixon of the Kingston University Business School presents a thorough and compelling analysis of the entire ecopreneurship phenomenon by carrying out a case study of the practices and activities of a particular green enterprise. Though the paper is written in an academic style, it affords a unique and discerning perspective into the nature of green business, and an ecopreneur who closely studies the paper’s findings may gain a competitive advantage.
- EPA Partnership Program: There are more than 13,000 businesses receiving individual guidance from EPA representatives—this website is a gateway for individuals seeking to collaborate with the EPA. There are a wide range of programs available for both small and large businesses, including those involved with green transportation, clean water, efficient agriculture, and energy efficiency.
- The Essence of Ecopreneurship: This brief article by Michael Schaper, a professor at the Curtin University of Technology in Australia, describes the nature and role of ecopreneurship, possible barriers to success, and defines possible metrics of success. Schaper affirms the importance of ecopreneurs in achieving lasting ecological progress and describes a framework within which a growing green business can thrive.
- Green America’s Green Business Network: This website is a general resource aimed at “helping socially and environmentally responsible businesses emerge and thrive to form a global green economy.” The website provides news of business trends as well as tools designed to catalyze green business, including a green jobs board and a guide for a green office.
- GreenBiz.com: Describing itself as the “Business Voice of the Green Economy,” GreenBiz.com provides news, commentary, resources, and opportunities relevant to mainstream business managers attempting to promote more environmentally responsible attitudes. Central to the site’s philosophy is the idea that deep thinking about sustainability brings a competitive advantage in commercial activity.
- Innovation Exchange: Managed by the Environmental Defense Fund, the Innovation Exchange evaluates specific green opportunities for business in a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, dining, and retail. Further, it describes practices businesses can observe to help combat climate change, increase energy efficiency, preserve oceans, and maintain health.
- National Resources Defense Council: The NRDC publishes instructive green business guides that include case studies and emphasize specific techniques companies can employ to become more sustainable. With professional design and expertly informed discussion, the NRDC is a remarkable resource for the developing ecopreneur.
- Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Innovation: This short paper by Anne Gerlach of the Centre for Sustainability Management at the University of Lueneburg surveys a variety of academic findings relevant to environmentally motivated entrepreneurship. For ecopreneurs interested in the business methodology associated with their field, this paper supplies links to and commentary on numerous pertinent studies.
