Starting a Business

Connect with the Green Consumer

Starting a Business

With recent concern about issues such as global warming, energy efficiency and GMO’s, it seems the “green” industry has taken off. This new demand for organic and eco-friendly products and services creates a great opportunity for environmentally conscious entrepreneurs who want to start their own business.

Recent surveys have shown that over 70% of consumers purchase green products and services. Many already established businesses have started to market “all natural” or eco-friendly products to keep up with this increasing trend. Consumers have an environmentally friendly option in nearly every item and service they pay for including cosmetics, cleaners, food, pet products and services and even child care. The good news for business owners is that most consumers are also willing to pay more for these products.

Businesses are able to save money and help the environment by using eco-friendly production processes. DuPont Chemical Company reduced their greenhouse gas emissions and saved $2.2 billion in energy efficiency. Walmart announced that they will cut total carbon emissions by 20m metric tons by 2015 as a part of their plan to double revenue. Other companies including Toyota, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Unilever, Marks & Spencer and General Electric are also making efforts to become more eco-friendly and are seeing profits as a result. There are many ways for businesses to contribute to the environment and save money on production and maintenance costs including switching to post-consumer waste, using compact-fluorescent or LED lights, and using alternative energy sources such as wind or solar power.

Successful green businesses use their eco-friendly techniques as a way to market their product and also to benefit the planet and encourage others to do the same. Whether you are passionate about the environment or just looking for a sustainable way to maintain and market your company in today’s industry, going green is a great option. If you are thinking of starting a business let the knowledgeable and experienced attorneys at the Knellinger & Associates help you through the process.

Local Support for Start-Ups – Gainesville, Florida

Starting a Business

Gainesville’s rapid growth rates in both population and business ventures have led the city to indulge in support projects such as Start Up Downtown, a unique gathering that was recently hosted in the downtown area. The event was held on the evening of Thursday, July 19th, on the second floor of Union Street Station and it attracted nearly 300 Gainesville job-seekers. Over a dozen Gainesville start-ups that are currently hiring were featured at the event, which was sponsored by FloridaWorks, the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Innovation Gainesville.

Gainesville’s start-up community is also growing, and this event showcased that. Many residents of Gainesville are not aware of how significant the local start-up industry is, and Start Up Gainesville allowed the participating companies not only to network and advertise their brand, but to expand their businesses by meeting potential new employees that could help foster new ideas.

Some of the start-ups that were on display included SwampMobile, Mobiquity, the well-known music-streaming service Grooveshark, and local karaoke service Stage 7. Also present was Gainesville HackerHouse resident, Eric Pheterson, who displayed his high-tech, custom pet feeder. HackerHouse is another Gainesville based program that allows young, innovative entrepreneurs to live under one roof, rent free, for an allotted period of time to work on developing their unique creations with the potential to achieve outstanding rewards for their work.

One common goal of programs that encourage the local start-up community is that they aim to, “Keep the talent here in Gainesville.” Many of the individuals who obtain their college education in Gainesville leave the city after graduation, taking their innovative ideas with them.

Starting a new company or brand can be an intimidating venture. The guidance of a knowledgeable business attorney can be invaluable to you during the process. From choosing the right corporate structure for your business, to drafting and negotiating contracts, our attorneys at the Knellinger & Associates can help. Call us today to schedule an appointment with one of our lawyers to find out more about how we can help you start your business.