Green Business Opportunities

Energy

• Solar energy is an ever-expanding field. It requires both workers familiar with solar technology as well as mechanical know-how. This allows for advances in research to be made, even as current technology solar panels are installed on houses and buildings. In addition, there is strong demand for wind turbines, both for the manufacture of the turbines as well as the installation. There are also rehabilitation programs for ex-inmates that provide them with the skills needed to manufacture and install solar panels on home and businesses.

Consultant

• Companies like Green Irene (founded by PJ Stafford and Rosamaria Caballero Stafford) were created to fill a need for eco-consultants. Eco-consultants will go through a business (or a home) and show how to best create opportunities to go green. In addition to pointing out opportunities to become more environmentally-friendly, eco-consultants can also provide information on where to obtain eco-friendly products for the home or business.

Farming

• The opportunities (and the need) for organic farms has never been greater. With major purchasers including Walmart and Target expanding their organic offerings, farmers who choose to go organic will be able to sell their goods to large-scale operations, as well as providing valuable commerce for local farmers markets. Organic eggs and organic meats are in strong demand, as are vegetables that have been grown without pesticides or artificial fertilizers. One area where growth is strong is in using natural predators to target pest insects that can damage crops.

Funding

• When attention is focused on an industry in hopes of sparking development, government funding is usually available. A visit to websites such as the Environmental Protection Agency will show national as well as state and local programs and grants that provide financial incentives to businesses that are involved in the process of going green. There are numerous programs that provide rebates to companies involved with transitioning from conventional energy to renewable energy sources.

Franchises

• Another area where there are tremendous opportunities in business is franchises. Green franchises provide individuals who want to start their own business with the expertise and materials necessary to set up a green business in locations throughout the country. One franchise opportunity can be found in the field of energy auditing, which examines the energy practices of businesses and shows how to reduce energy consumption in an environmentally-friendly manner.