A weekly look at Wyoming business questions from the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (WSBDC), part of WyomingEntrepreneur.Biz, a collection of business assistance programs at the University of Wyoming.
By Diane Wolverton, Wyoming Entrepreneur Small Business Development Center (SBDC) state director
"I heard Hunter Lovins speak at the GRO-Biz Conference a few weeks ago and I really liked what she had to say about energy saving -- it just makes good sense for business. Where can I learn how to implement these savings in my business?" Stacie, Fort Bridger
Perfect question and perfect timing. We are just now launching a program at Wyoming Entrepreneur SBDC that is designed to help participants learn how to save money and increase profits through energy efficiency and sustainable practices.
It's called Sustainable Profits and is one of the coolest things to come along for business in Wyoming. It not only offers an opportunity to access great information during a seven-week webinar course, but participants also will receive a free year-long license to Lovins' online tool, "Solutions at the Speed of Business." Participants also have an opportunity to apply for a $2,000 grant that can be used to fund the sustainable measures identified for a business throughout the program.
The webinar course will be co-facilitated by SBDC team members and Lovins' organization, Natural Capital Solutions. It will provide content and resources that can be used to develop sustainability and energy efficiency plans within the context of an overall business plan.
Participants will learn how to get the most bang for their buck in retrofits or behavioral changes that can be implemented to an individual company. They can determine what steps to take first, how much they will cost and the amount of savings realized once everything is complete. Participants also have the opportunity to network with other Wyoming company representatives that are taking the plunge and learn from each other by sharing experiences and explorations in the world of sustainability.
The icing on the cake is the grant that that is available for participants to apply for after finishing the course and completing an individual sustainability plan. These grants are intended to give a business owner a kick-start for getting the business green, lean and ready for the future.
Applications are currently being accepted by SBDC Sustainability Specialist, Susan Jerke, by calling 307-682-5232, or emailing sjerke@uwyo.edu. We are looking for leaders that are willing to showcase their work and share what they have learned with other Wyoming business owners.
The webinar course will begin in June. There is no fee for the program, but enrollment is limited. This is a one-time opportunity made possible by special funding through the United States Small Business Administration.
A blog version of this article and an opportunity to post comments is available at http://www.wyomingentrepreneur.typepad.com/blog/.
The WSBDC is a partnership of the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Wyoming Business Council and the University of Wyoming. To ask a question, call 1-800-348-5194, e-mail wsbdc@uwyo.edu or write 1000 E. University Ave., Dept. 3922, Laramie, WY, 82071-3922.
