Session leader: Judy


Big ideas:

* Small business are all about survival (keeping the doors open, making payroll, etc). "Green" has to mean either saving money or making money. Have to be able to show them the ROI.

* Small business owners need to feel ownership over the greening programs.

* Small businesses need to be pushed. ("It's like herding cats.")

* Small businesses need vehicles for collaboration: everything from knowledge-sharing networks to co-ops (e.g. organic dairy farmers).

* Small businesses need a way to market their greening efforts. (Look at the "buy local" movement for examples)

* Large companies can support through their networks of customers and suppliers (examples: Intuit new energy efficiency resource for small businesses that use Quikbooks for their bookkeeping.)

Opportunities:

* Small businesses can move quickly (unlike a Fortune 500 company). Huge opportunity for change.

* Case studies of small business actions could really help.

Resources:

Sustainable Business Network

Sustainable Business Leader Program

Tech Networks of Boston

Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership

Needs / Challenges:

* Need the money to do this work.

* Need a real certification program

* Reaching small businesses: How to disseminate tools and best practices?

* Need knowledge-sharing networks and partnerships.