Is it harder for small businesses?

My mother owns a small business - a drycleaners, actually - in a small town in Arkansas. When I was in high school as a classic nerd, i entered the science fair with designs on how to add solar energy to the business. This was in 1981. I won 2nd place at the science fair, but we never installed the system. So much of a drycleaners relies on steam heat. During Arkansas' summers, this can be brutal for employees, but it sure does leave nice creases in the pants and shirts. The system placed solar panels on the roof at the correct angle yada yada yada, and instead of using traditional sources to fire the boiler to heat the water it relied on solar energy. tada. 2nd place.

It is now 2007, 26 years later and I am seeing so many companies change to green operating practices. They talk of reduced foot print, carbon neutral, and earth friendly. Now that Mr. Gore has a Nobel Prize, these same companies are touting their efforts and seeking a bonus for their value added. These are all mostly larger companies and companies that have a greener clientel to begin with. But what about the smaller business.

I'd like to figure out a business model that supports a consulting practice that works with small businesses to reduce their carbon usage, and become more earth friendly.

The Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats need to be reviewed. But with out hesitation many come to mind immediately.

• There are many more small businesses than mega businesses. Strength and Opportunity
• They are often only marginally profitable. Weakness Threat.
• How does one price such a service to small businesses? Weakness.
• Though it is sometimes requires initial financial outlay, greening often has long term savings. Strength.
• Added marketability results from success of almost any measure. Strength and Opportunity.
• Business analysis that increases efficiency is good in and of itself. Strength and Opportunity

A great website to start with is based out of Northampton, MA. The Center for Ecological Technology.

If someone were to proactivley go out and solicity small businesses, would it be good thing. This could be combined with training. Maybe training could be underwritten by trade associations or chambers of commerce, electric companies.

More to ponder. Good night.