Community Based Sustainable Energy Business Development

This workshop is for people engaged in economic development in their community.  We'll look at the options for community-owned green jobs and green energy businesses, comparing local economic impact, environmental impact, and social impact.  We will also explore community organizing strategies that will help you build meaningful support and participation in your business development effort, as well as effective collaboration with other stakeholders.  You'll learn about the stages for developing community-based businesses from business planning to capitalization to business development and launch and the kinds of support community groups require at each stage along the way.  You'll also learn about the corporate and accounting structures unique to community-based businesses.  Lynn will share lots of examples.  Bring your own ideas to work on in this workshop.

Joe Alvarez

Joe Alvarez is a leadership and organization development professional.  He consults with organizations working for equity, economic justice, and/or sustainable communities.  With over 35 years experience in the labor, community organizing and civil rights movements, he also teaches, and writes about leadership, non-profit management, and strategy.  Prior to launching his private consulting practice, Joe served as the AFL-CIO’s Northeast Region Director.

Lynn Benander

Lynn Benander is the President and CEO of Co-op Power.  She supports the development of community owned sustainable energy businesses across southern New England.  Formerly, she directed the Cooperative Development Institute, where she supported the development of cooperatives of all kinds for more than ten years.

Back to the Program