Growing Green Enterprise Workshop
Green Enterprise Development for Community Revitalization
Growing Green Enterprise was a one-time series of regional workshops on green enterprise development hosted by EcoVentures International and Women Entrepreneurs of Baltimore, and sponsored by the Northwest Area Foundation. In communities in Minnesota, Washington, and Oregon, small business owners, local government officials, non-profit leaders, farmers, academics, students and members of the community gathered together to explore local opportunies and strategies for green enterprise development. Through presentations and dialogues ranging from renewable energy to sustainable agriculture and aquaculture, and from green building design to eco-tourism, expert practitioners were brought together for the advancement of green enterprise. While there was a diverse group of people from different sectors in attendance, there was a consensus that practicing green enterprise is not only good for the enviroment, but it also makes good economic sense. We look forward to continuing the dialogue and exploring opportunties for green enterprise development in your community.
Continue the discussion at the Green Enterprise Forum.
Read news articles and view video clips from these great events!
WILLMAR, MN:
Workshop included:
I. LOCAL SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Local environmental and economic development issues providing opportunities for poverty alleviation and self-employment.
II. GREEN ENTERPRISE INNOVATIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES: Examples of green enterprise technologies and businesses from different parts of the US as opportunities for local green business development. Ranging from renewable energy and bio-gas technologies, to green building materials and sustainable agricultural practices.
III. LOCAL EXPERIENCE: NETWORKING AND INFORMATION-SHARING: Facilitated networking and sharing around local experience, projects, businesses and interest in green enterprise in your area.
Vi. MICRO/SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE & AQUA-CULTURE: Discovering latest developments and opportunities in micro / sustainable agriculture and aquaculture.
Vii. RENEWABLE ENERGY: Exploring innovations and opportunities in renewable energy.
Viii.LOCAL GREEN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Considering developments and opportunities in local green economic development, including local food markets, eco-tourism and sustainable building techniques.
V. LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL ENTERPRISE SUCCESS STORIES: Regional success stories from green entrepreneurs in the region, sharing their business concepts and exciting successes along with the challenges they have faced.
VI. KEY STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESSFUL ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT: Learn about value chain analysis and development for the sector and best practices in microenterprise development programs to support local economic development strategies.
VII. GREEN BUSINESS FINANCING: Financial opportunities and innovative financing products for green businesses.
VIII. STRATEGIES FOR MOVING FORWARD: Strategies, partnerships, resources and next steps around poverty alleviation and self-employment opportunities around green enterprise for the community.
About the Hosts:
EcoVentures International (EVI) has implemented innovative approaches in environmental microenterprise, environmental education and collaborative community development in many regions around the US and the rest of the world. EVI has been recognized and awarded for its practical, participatory and hands-on methodologies, processes, training tools and for its considerable experience in the facilitation of the green sector in diverse geographic, economic and cultural contexts through the creation and management of local and regional enterprise networks. Its mission is to inspire, connect, mentor, and train community members, especially youth, to develop as socially and environmentally committed practitioners, entrepreneurs, and ambassadors of sustainable development.
WEB Consulting Services is a division of Women Entrepreneurs of Baltimore, Inc., a nationally recognized nonprofit that stimulates and supports entrepreneurship and small business development in Baltimore for underserved populations. WEB Consulting Services is dedicated to building vibrant communities and thriving local businesses by assisting entrepreneurial development organizations who inspire and guide individuals to transform their dreams of entrepreneurship into thriving businesses. In just the last two years, WEB has worked with over 100 urban and rural microenterprise development organizations in the US to help them scale up services in training and lending, develop new products and services, penetrate new markets, and develop fund development strategies. WEB Consulting Services also provides advice and consulting to foundations and government agencies seeking to energize local economies through entrepreneurship development.
Northwest Area Foundation (NWAF) began operating in 1934 as a traditional grant-maker. In 1998, NWAF shifted its focus from general grants to a more focused mission on long-term poverty reduction to achieve greater impact. It currently works with, and provides assistance to organizations that work with, rural, urban, American Indian, and rural Latino communities in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon.
Please contact EcoVentures International at 202-667-0802 or
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for more details.
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