About Us

I first came up with the idea for GreenBusiness.net after attending Co-op America's Green Business Conference in November 2003. There, I met and spoke with so many like-minded people and experienced a level of excitement and possibility I had not experienced before.

There was a room full of 250 people all working towards what I had been working towards: growing a business that not only provided a livelihood for myself but that also made the world a more just and sustainable place.

I had conversations with people who knew exactly what I was going through because they were going through it as well. I gave advice and ideas to many entrepreneurs who may not of had the level of experience I had. At the same time, I received extremely valuable advice and heard inspirational and motivating speeches from individuals who have been going at this for over two decades.

We all grew, learned, and helped one another develop ourselves and our businesses. And then it all came to a halt. The conference was over and I could no longer reach those who perhaps had a word of advice, or help those who might have a question with which I could help.

There seemed to be a void that was created. I found myself looking forward to next year's conference immediately and wishing that it wasn't a full year away. Then I thought, why wait?

While it wasn't possible for all of us to get together everyday, it certainly was possible to communicate with one another through a discussion list. The friendships that emerged, the ideas that were hatched, the possibilities that were created, could all be continued through an online forum where we interacted with one another through e-mail.

At first, I thought such a resource must already exist. I looked everywhere and asked people if they knew of one. No one did. It turned out it didn't exist. Well, why couldn't I create one?

So I did. And here you have it. A place where entrepreneurs and professionals can meet new people, share ideas, and so much more.

I hope you'll join us and enjoy what GreenBusiness.net has to offer.

- Jason Trout