Join our supportive and enlightened community of social entrepreneurs who are
working to create a healthier world and better lives for themselves and their
communities.

Find hundreds of tools, articles, templates, and other practical resources
to help you leverage sustainability as a business strategy: save money, improve
customer loyalty, open new markets, and increase employee engagement!

Upcoming In-Person Workshops Social Entrepreneur Boot Camp Level 1: Planting Your Organic Seed (2 Day Intensive). Take the first step toward your eco-entrepreneurial dreams! This weekend workshop, August 21-22, 2010 in San Francisco, will help take you from the seed of an idea to a honed business plan with constructive feedback from experts, GBO staff, and your peers. We'll help you make your mistakes on paper so that you can avoid them in real life, and set you on the path to owning your own green business! . . . keep reading

Do-It-Yourself Management Tools DOWNLOAD: Crafting an Effective Elevator Pitch Could you tell your green business story and get someone interested in 30 seconds? This downloadable e-Tool takes you through the nuts and bolts of building a solid elevator pitch. . . . keep reading DOWNLOAD: 7 Steps to Marketing Your Green Business This downloadable e-Tool takes you through the seven customizable points to keep in mind for the successful marketing of your business. . . . keep reading DOWNLOAD: Setting Up Your Exit Strategy Planning for the end is an often overlooked step in starting a business that can save you money, headaches and heartache when the time comes. This downloadable guide explores all the variables to consider when planning for your business' future. . . . keep reading DOWNLOAD: Engaging Your Employees in Sustainability Your company's commitment to sustainability is only as good as your employees' commitment. This document will take you through a variety of approaches in engaging your employees around sustainability. . . . keep reading More

Strategy Articles Disposable Utensils: How to Be More Sustainable and Eco-Friendly with your Take Out Materials by Danielle Garland Take out materials contribute significant amounts of waste from one-time use items like plastic forks. Here's how to reduce waste, save money, and 'greenify' your take out utensils! . . . keep reading Motivated Sustainable Business Professionals on Your Board of Advisors--A Tremendous Resource for Your Small, Green Business by Eleonora Sharef Where can your small, green business gain invaluable experience, get direct advice, and open doors that might otherwise be inaccessible? Many business professionals want to help small, green businesses--for free. You might be surprised what a Board of Advisors can do for you. . . . keep reading Sustainable Schwag: How To Promote Your Green Business with Specialty Advertising by Jennifer Elks Regardless of industry or size of the business, advertising with promotional products is always great marketing. Here we examine what to consider before ordering promo products for your green business, and how to be sure they're made sustainably. . . . keep reading Can Your Used Kitchen Grease Become Biofuel and Earn Extra Money For Your Restaurant? By Danielle Garland Traditionally, restaurants, cafes and other commercial kitchens had to pay to have their used grease taken away and disposed of. Recently, however, this "waste" is being used as an ingredient in biofuels, soaps, candles, and other products. Here's how to make the best of an otherwise "messy" situation. . . . keep reading More

Start a Green Business "Start a Green Business" Series: Clothing Consignment Shop by Scott Cooney Consignment shops are inherently a green business because they give used clothing, accessories, musical instruments, sporting goods, etc, a second life. For those with the right resources and a knack for knowing which products will sell, a consignment shop could be a wonderful business opportunity. . . . keep reading "Start a Green Business" Series: Organic Day Spa by Scott Cooney Day spas are synonymous with relaxation and luxury, and are a popular form of respite for those who can afford to indulge. Incorporating sustainability into your daily operations by being energy-efficient, using eco-friendly textiles and offering organic products can be a great way to make money while saving money. . . . keep reading "Start a Green Business" Series: Green Bed and Breakfast by Scott Cooney Green bed and breakfasts are becoming more and more popular, adding an environmentally conscious twist to the quaint, quiet and natural charm of a traditional B&B. Interest in eco-friendly travel destinations is on the rise, and a green bed and breakfast can provide a comfortable and guilt-free stop for conscientious travelers. . . . keep reading "Start a Green Business" Series: Eco-Friendly Painting Service by Scott Cooney Painting companies provide finishing services for homeowners and commercial buildings. While conventional paints and plasters produce vapors known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), that lead to poor indoor air quality, many non-toxic, eco-friendly options are becoming more widely available. . . . keep reading More