It ain't easy being green...

Patty Simonton of Bethesda Green, Saba Shibaka of Rendered Inc., Meredith Cymerman of Jam Treats, Sebastian Quiroga of VegAndes, Speaker and Mentor Peter Dudka, and Grateful Gardeners.

Kermit the Frog nailed it. He was being quite literal in his statement about “being green”, we are too, but since he first uttered those famous words “being green” has taken on new meaning. We all know it to be “clean”, “organic”, “eco-friendly”, “environmentally safe”, or just plain “non-toxic”. It can mean a lot of things, but what it ultimately equates to is a harder way to do things. It’s inconvenient by its very nature, because if it wasn’t, it would be happening all over in every facet of life. No, it costs more, in time and money and work. If you believe it’s important and must be done for the sake of our future, as we do, then there is no getting around it.

Now more than ever there are thousands of resources, advisors, agencies, grants, non-profits, for-profits, and people out there to support a green business model. But how do you capitalize on those supports? Start on the internet, search locally, and find the places to apply, or just the people to talk to. Sometimes all it takes is a conversation with the right people. We started this way and somehow, some way we encountered Bethesda Green. They are a non-profit organization located in Bethesda, as you might have guessed, and they are built on one basic goal; support and promote environmentally and/or socially impactful businesses in the DC, MD, VA area. Ideally they aim to meld the urban landscape with these types of businesses and make those spaces, where most people live, more socially equitable and environmentally clean. We found them via their call for applicants to their Spring 2020 cohort Accelerator Program. We applied back in late 2019, had a handful of interviews, provided documentation about our farm and gave a final presentation in front of their board. Sarah was not convinced we would be accepted, possibly fueled by some recent rejections we had received. I was more encouraged, and wouldn’t you know it, we were selected! Finally some validation and much needed help!

But wait, this is an intensive 6 month curriculum requiring one of us to attend classes at least 2 days a week, not to mention social functions, and lots and LOTS of homework? How are we going to do this with both of us working full-time jobs?!?! Right about this time, I was more miserable at my job then ever before (sales sucks), and because my wife is the most amazing person on the planet, she told me “it’s time, you have to quit”. I could not believe she was willing to support me like that! So I quit and dove into the Accelerator Program head first. It was information overload, we had to learn about all aspects of business, we had to develop all the documents, the business plan, the financials, the lean startup plan, the B-corp certification pathway, the impact investor strategy, so many things we had never even heard of. There were in person classes (before the pandemic hit) with speakers from all fields of business, with spectacular insight and experience. They connected us with mentors that were beyond wonderful and helpful. They gave, and still give, us all the tools we need to be successful as a green business! The program wrapped up in June with a pitch presentation to potential investors and general business people where we were actually asking for money to support the growth of our company. And while we aren’t sure what type of investment we want to grow our company, the whole experience has made us much better founders and business people.

We are still supported by them to this day, albeit it more virtual then before. We hope to win a financial award through them and become one of their resident companies so we can continue to get their support in the foreseeable future. One thing is abundantly clear though, Bethesda Green is one of the best things to ever happen to Grateful Gardeners since we started this little company back in 2018. All startup companies need programs like this in their life. A partner and team to help them through the hardest parts of forming and operating any business, let alone a green one. And Bethesda Green is that partner!