Sustainable Business Development
The mission of the Sustainability Institute, hosted by Western Technical College in La Crosse, is to provide businesses, government, and society with leadership, coordination, and education for all three dimensions of sustainable development: economic, environmental, and social.
The Small Business Development Center, at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse is part of a statewide network of SBDCs working with business owners and entrepreneurs to facilitate business growth and improvement, and to launch successful new companies. Through no-cost consulting, low-cost entrepreneurial education, and strategic facilitation, SBDC experts serve as resources for small and emerging mid-size companies. The Wisconsin SBDC is hosted by the University of Wisconsin System Administration and is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The Coulee Region Business Center accommodates new or expanding businesses in the Coulee Region by offering reduced overhead costs and below-market lease rates while providing professional assistance and access to local resources.
The mission of the Sustainability Institute, hosted by Western Technical College in La Crosse, is to provide businesses, government, and society with leadership, coordination, and education for all three dimensions of sustainable development: economic, environmental, and social.
The Small Business Development Center, at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse is part of a statewide network of SBDCs working with business owners and entrepreneurs to facilitate business growth and improvement, and to launch successful new companies. Through no-cost consulting, low-cost entrepreneurial education, and strategic facilitation, SBDC experts serve as resources for small and emerging mid-size companies. The Wisconsin SBDC is hosted by the University of Wisconsin System Administration and is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The Coulee Region Business Center accommodates new or expanding businesses in the Coulee Region by offering reduced overhead costs and below-market lease rates while providing professional assistance and access to local resources.
CouleeCo. offers a nine week entrepreneurial program that equips aspiring entrepreneurs with various resources, provides a collaborative coworking space in the heart of downtown La Crosse, and connects new entrepreneurs with successful, engaged, and diverse professionals who provide advice, tips, and information.
Focus on Energy for Business works with businesses, farms, school districts, local governments and other property owners to install cost effective energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
RENEW Wisconsin is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a stronger, healthier, more vibrant Wisconsin through the advancement of renewable energy. We work on policies and programs that support solar power, wind power, biogas, local hydropower, and geothermal energy. Their annual Solar for Good program fosters the expansion of solar power among mission-based nonprofits and houses of worship in Wisconsin by offering grants, advice, and assistance.
Xcel Energy offers business efficiency progranms and rebates including energy audits, assistance with energy efficiency buildings and construction, equipment rebates, renewable programs, special rates, and farm programs.
Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) is a nonprofit organization based in Spring Valley, Wisconsin promiting organic and sustainable agriculture by providing the education, resources, and expertise farmers need to succeed. Programming includes an annual conference in La Crosse, educational field days, and experienced organic specialists on staff with expertise in certification.
The University of Wisconsin Extension Service
- hosts the North Central Wisconsin Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program which provides
sustainable agriculture information and resources for agricultural educators and service providers including scholarships, mini grants, inservice training, honoraria for farmer presenters, and more. - offers agricultural assistance, research, and advice for farmers including best practices, management resources and training,
- includes the Center for Community and Economic Development which provides applied research, education, and assistance on community and economic development
There is a growing number of businesses in the La Crosse area dedicated to green and sustainable processes and policies.
Best Buy is a leader in recycling, "As the nation's largest retail recycler of used electronics and
appliances, we're doing our part to responsibly reduce e-waste. We’ll
take all kinds of used tech*, regardless of where you bought it, how old
it is or who made it."
Empire Screen Printing has been honored as a "Green Master" business by the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council. It uses cutting edge energy saving and pollution controlling systems, including ultraviolet LED technology. "Empire recognizes the importance of reducing our carbon footprint. As a Wisconsin Green Tier Company, we are committed to go above and beyond local, state, and EPA environmental standards."
Empire Screen Printing has been honored as a "Green Master" business by the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council. It uses cutting edge energy saving and pollution controlling systems, including ultraviolet LED technology. "Empire recognizes the importance of reducing our carbon footprint. As a Wisconsin Green Tier Company, we are committed to go above and beyond local, state, and EPA environmental standards."
Festival Foods uses sustainable practices, equipment, and systems. "Festival Foods is committed to environmental sustainability. Our company
has taken a variety of steps to reduce our carbon footprint by
investing in new, energy efficient technology and repurposing local
trees for a new store. For us, going green is a given and we work to
stay environmentally friendly in a variety of ways."
Gundersen Health System has been carbon free since 2014. "In 2008 we made the commitment to improve the health of the communities
we serve and control rising energy costs by reducing consumption through
improving efficiency and creating cleaner energy. In October 2014, we
became the first healthcare system in the country to produce more energy
than we consume and become energy independent."
LAXPrint runs on solar power and has reduced its energy demand by beefing up building insulation and replacing all lighting with LEDs.In addition, their shredded paper waste is used for nesting matieral and composted by a local chicken farmer.
Mayo Clinic Health System has an ongoing sustainability program promoting access to locally sourced food. "Since 2016, we have been recognized as a Partner for Change organization by Practice Greenhealth for our practices that protect the health and well-being of patients, staff, and communities in which they live and work."
People's Food Co-op supports a thriving local, sustainable, organic food movement by sourcing from local farms and businesses, hosting workshops and seminars on local food issues, and highlighting local producers in its programs and media. Beginning in January 2019, the co-op will stop supplying plastic grocery bags to customers.
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse boasts several LEED certified buildings on its campus where there are other sustainability efforts underway including partnership in a local food waste to vermiculture project, a student Green Fund, programs to save electricity and reduce single use plastic use, the UPass public transportation initiative and more.
IS YOUR BUSINESS OR ORGANIZATION GREEN? Please contact us for inclusion on this list.
