Sustainable Business Resources
Northampton intends to build a strong local economy and a community for the future by promoting local business development and integrating sustainable business practices. These resources can help Northampton residents and businesses to support local businesses and help businesses build on our local assets of creativity, ingenuity, innovation, and independent business entrepreneurship to achieve long-term sustainability.
Business Alliance for Local Living Economies
The Pioneer Valley Chapter of BALLE is a network of local businesses promoting "buy local" campaigns, business to business purchasing, sustainable business practices, and long-term economic vitality.
PV BALLE
c/o Relief Resources
P.O. Box 129
Hatfield, MA 01038
413-247-3114 X16
www.livingeconomies.org
www.pvballe.org (Think Local First Contest)
Community Involved In Sustaining Agriculture
CISA is a non-profit organization working to sustain agriculture in western Massachusetts, build a secure local food and farming system, strengthen relationships between consumers and farmers, and increase farm profitability. CISA's 'Be a Local Hero, Buy Locally Grown' program was initiated in 1999 and has become the nation's longest running comprehensive multimedia buy local campaign.
Northampton Fair Trade
Northampton Fair Trade is a grassroots volunteer-run group promoting buying local and fairly traded products. Northampton became the 6th Fair Trade Town in America on April 17, 2008 thanks to the efforts of the Northampton Fair Trade Coalition. Learn more about local businesses selling locally produced and fair trade products on the Northampton Fair Trade website.
Shop Western Mass
An online store dedicated solely to products from Western Massachusetts featuring products that showcase the skill, craftsmanship and dedication of artists, artisans and small business owners throughout Western Mass.
Energy Efficiency Programs
See the energy efficiency programs listed in the Financing Resources section of the Mayor's Office of Economic Development website.
Greenbiz.com
Business resources, toolbox, news articles, columns, research on all aspects of sustainable business practices.
Green Careers Coaching and Training
The Franklin Hampshire Regional Employment Board offers individual coaching to help you get training, find a job, or start a career in renewable energy and green construction. Training courses are offered at Greenfield Community College. Tuition assistance is available. For more information Contact:
Alex Risley Schroeder
Green Careers Coach
413-774-4361 x 320
Massachusetts Materials Exchange
The Massachusetts Materials Exchange connects businesses with reusable materials with others that can use them. Materials commonly listed in the database include: manufacturer's byproducts, surplus stock, scrap and overrun material, used equipment, used office furnishings, packaging and transport materials. The Materials Exchange can help you:
* Capture the value of byproducts and surplus materials
* Reduce disposal costs
* Reduce purchasing costs
* Reduce storage and staff costs
* Reduce waste, save landfill space and resources
* Enhance the environmental image of your company
* Meet corporate community/environmental goals
Massachusetts Technology Collaborative
MTC is the state's leading economic development agency for clean energy and the innovation economy. Learn more about clean energy, green buildings, technology, and innovation. MTC offers grants for green building design, funding for renewable energy projects, and other industry support.
Pioneer Valley Sustainable Development Inventory
A directory of sustainable development projects and businesses in the Pioneer Valley.
Rocky Mountain Institute
Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) is an independent, entrepreneurial, nonprofit organization. RMI fosters the efficient and restorative use of resources to make the world secure, just, prosperous, and life-sustaining. A large and growing part of RMI's work is now concerned with guiding businesses in the transition to more sustainable and restorative practices, processes, and products through the principles of natural capitalism.