However, Denise Hamler, director of Green America’s Green Business Network, says that “financing is the number one challenge facing green businesses today. Many of the small businesses we work with have strong market opportunities, but are not capitalized enough to really reach their potential.”

ACCION USA hears this story every day – from our own small business clients, as well as our focus groups.  The verdict is unanimous: small business owners “strongly believe in green,” but at the same time, think that “going green” is not economically viable.

We can’t ignore the data. “Going green” can bring green ($)…but only if you have green ($).

Fortunately, microfinance organizations are perfectly poised to pull small businesses out of the same old “I can’t, it’s too expensive” mentality. With the right loan product and support services, small business will see a return on their investment and, at the same time, make the planet a more hospitable place to live.

For this reason, ACCION USA launched a Green Small Business Loan program that provides financing and consulting to green enterprises.  Want to learn more?  On November 15th at 2 PM EST you can speak directly with Renzo Mendoza, an ACCION USA Loan Consultant, about how to apply for a Green Loan.  The “Green Cash for Green Business” webinar is free and will cover all you want to know about ACCION USA’s green loan program.

And ACCION USA will waive the $30 loan application fee for all “Green Cash for Green Business” webinar participants!*

So, if you are a small business with green principles and need working capital or want to invest in energy efficient equipment or upgrades, look no further.  ACCION USA and Green America are bringing you an exclusive look into ACCION USA’s lending process.

Don’t miss this free opportunity – space is limited so REGISTER TODAY!

What will you take away from the webinar?

• A waived loan application fee* (a $30 value)
• The definition and benefit of an ACCION USA Green loan
• Information about credit, financial, and collateral requirements for loans up to $50,000
• An understanding of loan rates, fees, and terms
• Training and educational benefits
• Direct connection with an ACCION USA loan consultant

Not able to make the webinar, but have green loan questions?  Search #GreenMyBusiness on www.Twitter.com at 3 PM EST on November 11^th to join the twitter party and engage in good green conver sation.

We look forward to seeing you on Monday!

* Must apply within one week of “Green Cash for Green Business” webinar

By "going green," beauty salon owners are making their shops and customers healthier and standing out among competitors.

Some sure think so. On October 1st, greenSpaces announced that Fringe Hair Art of Kennebunkport Maine has completed its Green Business League Green Business Certification, making it the first Certified Green Hair Salon in the State of Maine.

What did the salon owners do to become green? They first directed attention to their space, using recycled glass and low-VOC paint to set the mood.  Next, operations. The salon turned virtually paperless, and they ditched plastic cups for glass to serve water, tea, and coffee (how nice!). And then most importantly, addressing those pesky chemicals that give you a headache while you wait for your stylish highlights, Fringe Hair Art opted for ammonia- and formaldehyde -free hair styling products with a strong odorless claim.

It makes sense.  In fact, www.TheBeautySchool.com blog states that “the new trend sweeping the beauty industry is going green.” But they warn that going green is not easy; you can’t skimp or try to fool your customers with faux-green products.  Do your homework or hire a consultant to walk you through the greening process. To get you motivated, www.ehow.com has a list of considerations when starting a Green Beauty Salon.. And remember, it’s not just about your hair products: start simple with a commitment to reusing and recycling your business waste. Your world, and your customers, will thank you.

Not a business owner?  As a consumer, check out green business directories like www.greenamericatoday.org and talk to your friends about greener options.

If you are a regular at the beauty salon, would green make a difference in your choice of salons? Let us – and beauty salon owners – know what you think!

Charitable Trusts. According to the study, the definition of “clean energy” includes five categories: “(1) Clean Energy, (2) Energy Efficiency, (3) Environmentally Friendly Production, (4) Conservation and Pollution Mitigation, and (5) Training and Support. The definition provides a groundbreaking framework for tracking jobs, investments and economic growth over time and allowing the public and private sector to evaluate the effectiveness of policy choices and investments.”

To accelerate the growth of clean energy and energy efficiency job growth, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act included over $80 billion for energy efficiency and clean energy programs. Across the country, the Recovery Act is creating thousands of jobs to weatherize about low-income homes.

Today, Congress is working on an energy and climate bill that will create an environment for small businesses to drive innovation and create even more jobs with staying power. Putting this bill on hold will send a “terrible message” to small businesses, as EPA official Jared Blumenfeld said earlier this month with regard to California Proposition 23, a measure that would roll back climate change legislation in California until the state’s unemployment rate stays at or below 5.5 percent for a year. We must join other nations in our commitment to reduce our energy use and find new, cleaner source of energy. Passing the Climate and Energy bill will send a signal to the innovators within our small business community – energy efficiency and clean energy are the future.

And while our small business community has lead the way in this field, comprehensive energy legislation passed by Congress will allow them to achieve even more, providing the tools and incentives necessary for success. The Climate and Energy Bill is our chance to ride this wave of small business innovation to its full potential, create lasting 21st century jobs all the while securing our planet for future generations.

Thanks to ACCION USA's Green Loan Program, entrepreneurs will have the green loans they need to build a strong business AND a healthy planet.

Among other things, ACCION USA’s Green Loan Program seeks to help  entrepreneurs to leverage their profits to improve the larger community. After a year of dialogue with small businesses, we learned that their largest challenge to going green was lack of access to the  support to take the leap. However, with the right financing and training, small businesses have the opportunity of the decade. Amid economic turmoil and hurting profits, “greening” has the potential to slash costs through energy efficiency and attract new environmentally conscious consumers – all the while making the earth a better place to inhabit.

On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans took to the streets, parks, and auditoriums to demonstrate for a healthy, sustainable environment. Today, in 2010, we’re struggling with similar issues that we did 40 years prior – we are a country at war, struggling with an economic downturn, looking for hope. In many ways, the Obama Administration has turned hope the color green. In no other time in history have small businesses had so many incentives to go green. And even with all those incentives, they are asking for a hand up to make the first step. Microlenders like ACCION USA are uniquely positioned to bridge that gap for weatherization contractors, restaurants, transportation, corner stores, retail and offices alike.

Learn more about ACCION USA’s Small Business Green Loan Program at www.accionusa.org/green and spread the word. Happy 40th Anniversary of Earth Day!

But how can “greening” grow small business, you ask? Incorporating eco-friendly products and energy-saving measures will be easier than ever! Going green impacts the bottom line and helps small businesses to:

• Access new, green-conscious consumers
• Reduce business energy, water and waste costs
• Participate in the growing green economy
• Hire for green jobs
• Leverage to tax credits and rebate programs

On the 40th anniversary of Earth Day this April, ACCION USA will launch a green loan program, so stay tuned for a sneak preview in upcoming weeks.

Jennifer Spaziano, vice president of business development at ACCION USA,  ioins Main Street Microfinance as a regular blog contributor, covering green business issues and ACCION USA’s launch into green lending. Stay tuned for news and progress on our green lending initiative!