Business goals can vary from one individual to another. Traditionally, businesses are set up all for the purpose of revenues. This is no longer the case these days, as social entrepreneurship has already emerged. Nowadays, certain businesses are set up, not for profit alone, but more so to fight for a cause. A startup can be run with the goal of sending kids to school, providing shelter to the homeless, helping farmers yield healthier and abundant crops, or simply fight for the environment. This is social entrepreneurship. If you are a budding entrepreneur, and at the same time an environmental activist, here are some tips on how to bring your eco-friendly business ideas to life.
Venture out in Consultancy First
If you intend to go big with your business, it goes without saying that you need ample research and planning. You may even have to perform a feasibility study, especially for a large-scale operation. Hence, it is better to become a green consultant first before implementing courses of action to bring your eco-friendly business to fruition. A green consultant performs a thorough evaluation to help homes and other businesses put up a strategic action on how they can be more environmentally friendly. Think of this step as building your expertise, such that when you implement the same strategies in your business, there is a greater chance for you to succeed. Nevertheless, keep in mind that you also need first hand and ample training before becoming a green consultant. Consider this as a business start-up cost.
Collaborate with Like-Minded Individuals
Putting up a business is no easy feat and you would need all the support that you can get. However, the support you need may not necessarily come from your friends and family, especially if you have opposing views towards environmental issues. There are platforms where you can share your ideas and find people who share the same passion. TRVST is one of these platforms that act as a collaboration medium for people who have but one common goal, and that is to change the world for the better. Through this platform, you will be able to get the support you need to get the initiative to put your plans and ideas into action. You will even find several other projects that may inspire you to create a more positive change.
Start by Making it a Hustle on the Side
Whether you are thinking about worm farming or making organic soaps, it is best to start your business as a side hustle. This is best if you currently have a day job to ensure that you will still have a steady cash flow month after month, well to cover the bills. Your eco-friendly business venture may not earn as big of revenue in its earliest stage so better keep it as a side business for the meantime. Think of it as a hobby, or a form of social entrepreneurship wherein you are not in it for the profit, yet. However, even if you are doing it part-time, make sure that you are giving your business the attention it deserves. Be consistent on the hours you put into your business and allot a particular time and day solely for your business, whether it is green crafting, or making candles from soy or beeswax. Productivity, or the quality of the activities you put in the small hours, outweighs the number of hours, or the quantity you spend around merely lounging.
Involve Your Community
While it is true that little steps go a long way, you will be able to make a greater environmental impact if you involve your community. Start a community lending library that can help you and the people in your neighborhood save on costs. For instance, if you are thinking of making an organic garden, for sure you need gardening tools. If your community has a lending library where you can rent certain gardening tools, then you will surely be able to cut down on your business cost because you no longer need to purchase your own tools. This is also a great avenue to market your business. While there might be a need to waive a portion of your business profit, in the end this is a win-win situation.
Thereby, go ahead and bring your eco-friendly business idea to life. Of course, apart from the profit and revenue that will contribute to the economic progress, you and your business can also make a great environmental impact. Come to think of it, the world needs a more environmentally friendly business nowadays.