DURING NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK, DEC LAUNCHES NEW SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS NAVIGATOR PROGRAM

 

Provides Free Cost-Cutting and Sustainability Advice to Small Businesses

Advances Governor Hochul’s Affordability Agenda by Helping Small Businesses Reduce Costs 

In recognition of National Small Business Week, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton announced the launch of the Sustainable Business Navigator program to provide free advice to small businesses so they can cut costs while also helping the environment. Small businesses participating in the Sustainable Business Navigator program receive free one-hour consultations with DEC sustainability experts on ways to reduce waste, increase energy efficiency, and take additional steps to reduce their environmental footprint and operating costs. The program focuses on low-cost, high-impact actions that small businesses can take along with providing referrals to project funding sources and additional resources. For example, switching to LED light bulbs can reduce lighting related energy costs by up to 90%. 

“I encourage all New York State small businesses to participate in Sustainable Business Navigator consultations and partner with DEC in helping cut energy and other operational costs, reduce waste, and protect our environment,” Commissioner Lefton said. “There are so many ways that businesses can find value in operating more sustainably, and this new program is a great starting point for businesses ready to take the next step towards more affordable and sustainable practices that benefit their bottom lines, New York’s natural resources, and our communities.” 

The Sustainable Business Navigator is open to all businesses in New York State with 100 or fewer employees. Small businesses interested in participating in the program can fill out a registration form on DEC’s website. 

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "At Empire State Development, we know that when small businesses succeed, New York succeeds. DEC's Sustainable Business Navigator gives small business owners free, practical guidance to cut costs and operate more efficiently — a benefit to the entrepreneurs who employ nearly half of New York's private sector workforce. Sustainability and affordability go hand in hand, and we applaud DEC for giving small businesses a powerful new tool to strengthen their bottom lines and their communities." 

DEC’s Consultations are focused on providing businesses with information tailored to their specific needs on ways that they can reduce costs, such as:

• Becoming more energy efficient,
• Reducing water use,
• Reducing waste generation; and
• Proper inventory management. 

In addition, the program can cover ways to learn where to find technical assistance and funding for future projects. DEC experts will also provide guidance to help market a business’s sustainability achievements to strengthen relationships with existing customers and attract new ones.   

Consultations can take place in person at the business or virtually.  

Small businesses make up 98% of New York State businesses and employ 40% of New York’s private sector workforce. DEC’s new program builds on other State actions to support small businesses.   

Small businesses and organizations providing services to them can sign up to learn more about DEC’s program during an informational webinar taking place on Wednesday, May 20 at 11 a.m.  

More information about the program is available on DEC’s website.