In the past decade, there has been a growing recognition that businesses that care for the environment and quality of life in the communities in which they operate, are more likely to become more successful and profitable. Known as the triple bottom line – people, planet and profit – this idea is revolutionizing the business world. Companies, large and small, that have adopted a triple bottom line (TBL) way of thinking are securing new clients, distinguishing themselves from the competition and strengthening their market positions.

 

Yet many entrepreneurs – especially those from low- and moderate-income backgrounds, minorities, veterans, youth, elderly, and the disabled - often lack information about triple bottom line practices (TBL), And as often, they are not easily able to access the capital or technical resources to implement them

 

The Greater Good Academy (GGA) is an 8-week business development program for Denver area entrepreneurs from underserved communities in how to use sustainable and triple bottom line business thinking and practices to become more profitable. The Academy meets for eight consecutive Monday nights.

 

Throughout the course and for several months afterwards, the entrepreneurs are connected with key players in the economic development, angel capital and socially responsible business communities. By the 8^th week, each entrepreneur has completed a triple bottom line (TBL) business plan that lays out their company’s mission, operations, marketing, pricing and related growth strategies and describes how they will integrate environmental and social elements into their overall business strategy.

 

The goal of the GGA is to provide civic-minded entrepreneurs with the training and financial support necessary to succeed and scale their ventures. The GGA helps to incubate green businesses, strengthen local communities, create jobs and increase economic self-sufficiency.

 

The Greater Good was launched in November 2009 in partnership with many of Denver’s leading nonprofit economic development groups, including the Office of Economic Development. Two Academies were held in 2010.

 

The Greater Good Academy is comprised of three interlocking components - Identify, Train, and Fund - designed to accelerate dozens of entrepreneurs towards the triple bottom line model:

The heart of our program is the Greater Good Academy, a comprehensive 8-week business development course that guides entrepreneurs, step by step, in how to incorporate TBL strategies into their overall business operations. Three Academies are planned for 2011. The curriculum focuses on real-life challenges and opportunities facing small businesspeople and uses measurable assignments that apply TBL thinking to a company’s existing financial, administrative, operations and marketing strategies. The Academy culminates in a public showcase and celebration of the Academy’s TBL entrepreneurs. During and after the Academy, participants are supported by mentors; a network of successful entrepreneurs and business leaders

While a triple bottom line plan typically results in greater revenue and profit, it often necessitates an upfront investment of capital from ‘patient’ or nontraditional lenders to get going. This is especially true for low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs who may not have established credit histories. We help connect Academy graduates and other TBL companies from underserved communities with the appropriate resources to finance the sustainable growth of their business.

 

 

The time for the Greater Good is now. Our mission is bold, yet focused and results-oriented. Successful small and micro-businesses are essential to a vibrant economy, and nowhere is this truer than in Colorado. We agree with visionary entrepreneur Paul Hawken in his assessment that "Business is the only mechanism on the planet today powerful enough to produce the changes necessary to reverse global environmental and social degradation.”