The core of Greater Good's mission is supporting a culture of social and environmental responsibility among emerging low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs. Our workshops, eight week-long courses and mentoring programs  are designed to provide small business owners with the right tools they need to increase profits while generating a positive social and environmental impact.

* Introductory Workshop - 'The Business Advantages of Sustainability'.

This free class covers the basics about the triple bottom line for small businesses. Using real-life case studies from local companies, we'll focus on the financial, operational and marketing benefits of social and environmental responsibility, and give you some ideas for incorporating triple bottom line thinking into your business right away.

Upcoming workshops:

December 8, 2009 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Rocky Mountain Microfinance Institute
5350 Leetsdale Dr., Suite G-120 (basement level)
Denver, CO 80246
{The office is located in the building that houses the Mexican Consulate}
Download a flyer about a Workshop
More dates coming soon!

Let us know if your organization is interested in hosting an Introductory Workshop.

* Greater Good Academy
The Greater Good Academy is a comprehensive business development program designed to empower early stage, low and moderate-income entrepreneurs to incorporate triple-bottom-line thinking into the DNA of their businesses. Offered three times a year starting in 2010, the Academy will consist of a 30-hour, eight-week course that culminates in a public showcase of low and moderate-income sustainable entrepreneurs. The curriculum for the Academy is being developed in conjunction with local and national experts in triple-bottom-line business, and will draw from successful sustainable business programs across the country. Each session will highlight best practices and feature interactive exercises directed towards business challenges and issues faced by the participants.  Leaders from Colorado’s green business and finance communities will participate as guest speakers.

Companies that have been in business for at least three months, are generating revenue and have an existing business plan are eligible to participate. Our goal is to help entrepreneurs become more successful by assessing their business strategy in view of sustainability practices. And in the process, discover new and bold opportunities to scale their business and reduce risk.

Content will include:

• History of sustainability and the triple bottom line
• Public expectations on the role of business in addressing community and environmental issues
• Values-based decision making and leadership
• Diverse forms of capital (financial, human, social, natural, manufactured)
• Marketing/PR - Use of social media and social networking
• Measuring your success based on a triple bottom line
• Developing partnerships with government and nonprofits
• Systems theory and critical thinking
• Regulatory and legal issues that encourage sustainability
• Greening your company and your supply chain

Contact us  if your business is interested in applying for the Greater Good Academy.

* Mentoring
Successfully implementing a triple-bottom-line strategy requires more than eight weeks of training - it takes long-term support from experienced professionals. Upon graduation from the Greater Good Academy, each business will be matched with a mentor from an appropriate field to provide them with structured, one-on-one assistance in becoming more financially, environmentally, and socially responsible. The mentors will:

• Coach entrepreneurs in scaling up their product and/or service
• Clarify goals and strategies for distinguishing oneself in the market
• Help entrepreneurs incorporate triple bottom line strategies into their businesses' DNA
• Model behavior, strategy and direction for the aspiring sustainable enterprise through their own experience as a successful businessperson
• Help companies prepare for funding opportunities and showcases offered by the Greater Good and other programs

Greater Good Mentors will include experts in the fields of business, social entrepreneurship, law, engineering, organizational development, human resource management, finance, investment, marketing, advertising, hospitality, product design and other professions as needed.

To help us identify individuals who wish to serve as mentors, the Greater Good will draw on its network of local partner organizations, including the Rockies Venture Club, CORE, the Mile High Business Alliance, Entrepreneurs Foundation, and the Angel Capital Summit.

"Teach what you have learned.  Share your experience."
Tich Nach Han

Contact us if you're interested in becoming a mentor.