How to Start a Business

GREEN BUSINESSESTHE EXPLOSION OF ORGANIC AND

STARTUPS & HIGH GROWTH BUSINESSES

The explosion of organic and eco-friendly products on retail store shelves is more than just a passing fad. It’s big business. This reality presents oppor tunities for environmentally minded entrepreneurs ready to start their own small business. Successful green businesses not only benefit the environ ment, but also use green business practices as a means to market their products. If you are thinking of starting a green business, consider the following tips: 1. Get Certified To differentiate your product or service as environ mentally sound, consider obtaining certification from an independent, third-party. Being certified means that you can include their "eco-label" on your product's label and other marketing materials. This eco-label is important for attracting "green" customers and can strengthen the value of your brand. 2. Join Industry Partnerships The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sponsors a wide variety of industry partnership and product stewardship programs that aim to reduce the impact of industrial activities on the environment. Joining one of these programs helps you connect with others in your industry, grow your brand, and protect the environment and natu ral resources.

In the world of business, the word “startup” goes beyond a company just getting off the ground. The term startup is also associated with a business that is typically technology oriented and has high growth potential. Startups have some unique struggles, especially in regards to financing. That’s because investors are looking for the highest potential return on investment, while balancing the associated risks. Here are some important things to consider when considering starting your business. Financing a Startup From seed capital to capital for expansion, getting financing is one of the most important activities for a startup. Making sure you can impress the venture capitalists and the angel investors takes preparation and practice. Intellectual Property Entrepreneurs with high-growth startups need to make sure they have their ideas protected. In the early stages of business, the idea is the driving force. Learn how to protect yourself and your startup through intellectual property protection methods. Marketing & Social Media Like most small businesses, marketing should be on every startup owner’s agenda. Creating a brand and making sure that your customers and potential customers know about your technology, innovation, or idea is important. Develop your marketing strategy before your startup begins operations. Mentoring & Training Creating a startup can be an overwhelming endeavor, 4