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Colorado Green Business Network of Aspen (CGBNA)
What is CGBNA?
- CGBNA is a network of Aspen Businesses who consider sustainability important or want to increase sustainability in their operations.
- There are three main FREE offerings for all CGBNA Members:
- Technical assistance and advising for sustainability in business operations.
- Opportunity to earn state-wide recognition (Bronze, Silver, Gold) for excellence in sustainable operations, equity, and resource management.
- Access to funding for sustainability projects.
- See "Why Join?" tab for more information.
- This network is provided by the City of Aspen, the Aspen Chamber Resort Association, and the State of Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Join the Colorado Green Business Network of Aspen through the CGBN’s GreenBiz Tracker.
- Create a business profile with GreenBiz Tracker.
- Once you have signed up through GreenBiz tracker, we schedule an introduction meeting to meet you and talk about your goals and needs.
Who Can Join
The Colorado Green Business Network is offered to any and all businesses in the state of Colorado – if you’re located within the City of Aspen, you’ll work with the CGBN of Aspen team specifically, and if you’re located outside of the City of Aspen, you’ll work with the state of Colorado team.
Program Highlights
- Free access to advising and technical support for businesses at any stage of your sustainability journey.
- Ability to apply for state wide recognition.
- Access to grants and rebates for sustainability projects.
- See "Why Join?" tab for more details.
CGBN Grant Opportunities
- Sustainable Purchasing Fund - Apply now for up to $2,000 to purchase efficient or sustainably sourced equipment that advances Aspen’s sustainability goals. (Items not overlapping with CORE) First come first serve - Opens in January
- Sustainability Education Fund - Apply now for up to $600 to build sustainability knowledge and leadership among your business workforce through education and training opportunities. First come first serve - Opens in January
- In November, CGBN members will be able to apply for up to $600 for the Green Team Appreciation Award, to recognize and reward employees who demonstrate exceptional commitment to sustainability within their organizations. First come first serve - Opens in November
How are ACRA and the State involved?
- ACRA is a local partner and supports CGBNA with media, events, and business connections. Learn more on their website.
- The State of Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment administers the Colorado Green Business Network Program state wide, provides recognition, and supports Aspen with a wealth of developed resources for businesses. Learn more on their website.
What will technical assistance look like?
- When a business first joins the CGBNA, city staff will schedule a "Site Visit" to learn about your business and provide an "Opportunity Assessment" that outlines specific actions to take to increase sustainability in your operations. This usually entails a discussion about the business’s existing and desired future sustainability practices and goals. These assessments are a valuable way to identify opportunities for environmental and social performance and resource savings, and to target areas businesses want to improve such as energy, water, waste and transportation.
- After the initial "Opportunity Assessment," businesses can request support for any projects, question, ideas related to sustainable operations. CGBNA staff can support with research and best practices, connections to similar business across the state, funding identification, and more.
What will state-level recognition look like?
- CGBNA members can elect to apply for state level recognition for excellence in sustainable operations, equity, and resource management.
- Businesses or organizations that choose to pursue Bronze, Silver or Gold-level recognition will apply through the GreenBiz Tracker recognition survey and can get support from the CGBN of Aspen team.
- Applications are due June 30th each year.
- The application process is a comprehensive, 400 point application that assesses all aspects of business operations. Levels of recognitions are as follows:
- Gold ( 100 Points): Recognizes organizations who excel at sustainable operations in their sector. They have implemented large scale changes to their
organization to reduce resource use and emphasize sustainability throughout the organization.
Silver (5O Points): Recognizes organizations who have begun to integrate sustainability into multiple aspects of their organization with regard to both policy decisions and completed efficiency upgrades.
Bronze (25 Points): Recognizes organizations that have begun to take strides in implementing sustainability into daily operations, and have started to see tangible reductions in resource use as a result. This level of recognition does not require year over year data tracking.
- Gold ( 100 Points): Recognizes organizations who excel at sustainable operations in their sector. They have implemented large scale changes to their
- Recognized businesses are highlighted in a public, searchable CGBN directory.
- Recognized businesses receive a CGBN press kit including a window decal for storefront marketing, logo and governor signed certificate.
- Businesses do not have to seek technical assistance in order to get recognition.
What are all the CGBN benefits to businesses?
- Grant funding! (See tab above)
- Technical assistance to improve efficiency and reach sustainability goals
- Local and state recognition
- Connections and networks
- Featured on the City of Aspen website, the ACRA website, and media
- Eligibility for additional recognition through various City of Aspen and ACRA events.
- State support through: priority permitting within the CO Department of Public Health and Environment, support with regulatory assistance, and letters of recommendation for grant and program applications.
- Recognized businesses are highlighted in a public, searchable CGBN directory.
- Recognized businesses receive a CGBN press kit including a window decal for storefront marketing, logo and governor signed certificate.
FAQ
Q: I’m a business in the Roaring Fork Valley, but not located in Aspen – can I apply?
A: Yes, absolutely, you will work with the state program administrators! CGBN is a state-wide program open to any and all businesses in Colorado. If you’re not located within the City of Aspen, you can still get all the same technical assistance and recognition opportunities through the program. Get started by registering your business or organization in CGBN’s GreenBiz Tracker.
Q: Can I get technical assistance without going for recognition?
A: Yes, definitely. Once registered through CGBN’s GreenBiz Tracker, you can:
A: Yes, absolutely, you will work with the state program administrators! CGBN is a state-wide program open to any and all businesses in Colorado. If you’re not located within the City of Aspen, you can still get all the same technical assistance and recognition opportunities through the program. Get started by registering your business or organization in CGBN’s GreenBiz Tracker.
Q: Can I get technical assistance without going for recognition?
A: Yes, definitely. Once registered through CGBN’s GreenBiz Tracker, you can:
- Stop there and benefit from the network and email list serv sharing resources and information
- Go a step further and get technical assistance from the team
- Go the final step and get recognition, if you wish. This is absolutely voluntary and only for businesses that choose to apply for recognition!