Categories: Advice

Starting a Business in the Environmental Industry

When you think of small business, you probably don’t think of environmental industries. Environmental protection, monitoring, and compliance all seem covered by the government. After all, they have an agency dedicated solely to the protection of the environment. However, the general movement towards environmental consciousness has created a demand for service, tech, and consulting businesses in the environmental industry. But what does it take to get started in this new industry? And is it healthy enough to support new businesses?

How do you start a business in the environmental industry?

That all depends on what sort of service you’re providing. Currently, the most popular types of business are engineering, consulting, and waste management. Environmental engineering and consulting are both huge, but both will likely require academic training and some field experience. After all, you’ll be selling your business as a source of outside expertise. Hazardous waste management also requires training and experience, and you’ll have to apply for permits with the EPA and, if they exist, any state-run environmental agencies.

Are there any perks for businesses in this industry?

Loads! Every state is different, but most are willing to offer tax breaks and incentives to companies working to help protect the environment – run your business in an environmentally sound way and you could be eligible for even more. Further, high-tech firms can avail of Small Business Innovation Grants as the program is offered in conjunction with the EPA.

Is the environmental industry healthy?

Very, but the barriers to entry can be high. As we mentioned above, you normally need some sort of training and experience in this field before you can found a business within it. You have to be some sort of expert, or no one will seek you out. But if you can break into the environmental industry, you’ll find a multi-billion dollar market that will continue to grow as the government and other companies invest in environmental monitoring, management, and protection.

Thinking about starting a company in the environmental industry? Need a little help? Give us a call at 1-877-692-6772!

Deborah Sweeney

Deborah Sweeney is an advocate for protecting personal and business assets for business owners and entrepreneurs. With extensive experience in the field of corporate and intellectual property law, Deborah provides insightful commentary on the benefits of incorporation and trademark registration.

Education: Deborah received her Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration degrees from Pepperdine University, and has served as an adjunct professor at the University of West Los Angeles and San Fernando School of Law in corporate and intellectual property law.

Experience: After becoming a partner at LA-based law firm, Michel & Robinson, she became an in-house attorney for MyCorporation, formerly a division in Intuit. She took the company private in 2009 and after 10 years of entrepreneurship sold the company to Deluxe Corporation. Deborah is also well-recognized for her written work online as a contributing writer with some of the top business and entrepreneurial blogging sites including Forbes, Business Insider, SCORE, and Fox Business, among others.

Fun facts/Other pursuits: Originally from Southern California, Deborah enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons, Benjamin and Christopher, and practicing Pilates. Deborah believes in the importance of family and credits the entrepreneurial business model for giving her the flexibility to enjoy both a career and motherhood. Deborah, and MyCorporation, have previously been honored by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal’s List of the Valley’s Largest Women-Owned Businesses in 2012. MyCorporation received the Stevie Award for Best Women-Owned Business in 2011.