Small Business Sustainability Toolkit

Small businesses can have a huge impact on national sustainability. Implementing sustainable business practices can help small businesses save money, meet consumer demand, and contribute to the sustainability of the Nation. Greening your small business can lead to positive recognition from customers, employees, regulators, and the media. Green businesses often experience benefits for brand image, customer loyalty, community relations, and appeal to socially responsible investors and portfolio managers. Please consider the following federal tools for strategies to reduce pollution, conserve energy and water, and use green power and renewable energy.

How to Go Green

• SBA Green Business Guide
• Energy Star Action Work Book for Small Businesses
• EPA's Smart Steps to Sustainability 2.0
• EPA Resources for Small Businesses

Tracking Emissions and Energy Consumption

• Energy Star Portfolio Manager
• EPA's Simplified GHG Emissions Calculator
• Energy Star's Cash Flow Opportunity Calculator

Financing Your Green Transition

• Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency
• Environmental Grants and Loans
• Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)
• EPA's Small Business Innovation Research Program

Expanding Your Network

• Green Power Partnership
• Energy Star Small Business Network
• Green Opportunities Wizard

Mentorship Programs

• Small Business Development Centers
• Women's Business Centers
• Veteran's Business Outreach Centers
• Minority Business Development Agency
• SBA Mentor-Protégé Program
• Entrepreneurial Mentor Corps
• U.S. General Services Administration Mentor-Protégé Program

Case Studies

• Small Green Business Case Studies

Small Business Offices at Federal Agencies

• Small Business Administration
• Department of Transportation
• Department of Energy
• Department of Interior
• Environmental Protection Agency
• Department of Defense