Finance & Investing Archives - Page 5 of 6

Socially Responsible Investing – Barbara Krumsiek, Calvert Investments

Do you want to invest with principle — and earn great financial returns too?
As the stock market hits all-time highs, and the Trump administration reduces regulations on financial institutions, automakers, water polluters and fossil fuel companies, among a long list, we have to take a more active role in managing our portfolios if we want them to reflect our environmental and clean energy values AND make a great return.
So, what to do?
Listen to Green Connections Radio host Joan Michelson’s previous interview with a leader in socially-responsible investing, Barbara Krumsiek who was the CEO of Calvert Investments for a long time (and is now retired). Barbara candidly discusses the pros and cons of socially-responsible investing (SRI), which is now mainstream, thanks in part to Calvert and Krumsiek. But what if you’re new to it like most of us are?

Funding Eco-Start-ups – April Richards, EPA SBIR Program

With Congress poised to review President Trump’s proposal to cut the budget of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by 31%, it’s important to look at what the EPA does. One of the coolest EPA programs is the Small Business Innovation Grant (SBIR) program that provides much-needed seed funds to very early stage start-ups. Listen to… Continue reading Funding Eco-Start-ups – April Richards, EPA SBIR Program

Tech Entrepreneur Funding – Anna Brady-Estevez, NSF, SBIR Grant Program Director, National Science Foundation

Maybe you have a great idea or new app you developed that you’re itching to bring to life. Maybe you have a friend who does… Or, maybe you’re an entrepreneur who is running out of funds and fears not being able to continue. If this rings a bell, listen up. This podcast provides vital information about a federal grant program you can apply for. There’s no guarantee you’ll be approved, but you certainly won’t get it if you do not apply. It’s called the Small Business Innovation Research – or SBIR – grants (or STTRs). About half a dozen federal agencies offer them, all with different criteria. The SBIR program we’re talking about today is from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and has an open agenda, focused on the potential of the technology to make a big positive societal impact if it succeeds.

The “Un-Utility” – Mary Powell, Green Mountain Power

With so much innovation in the energy sector, the rapid expansion of renewable energy, development of a “smart grid” and the Internet of Things technologies, the utilities have to evolve too. And, without dropping any service to anyone, ever.
So, what’s a utility to do to survive – and to thrive? Enter Mary Powell, CEO of Green Mountain Power in Vermont, who was chosen as one of Fast Company’s most innovative people. She’s turning the business model of a utility on its head, and retains the support of her board because she’s succeeding in every way – customer service ratings in the 90%s and generating sold financial results. How? Listen up.

Profitable Social Value – w Cheryl Kiser, Author & Center for Social Innovation at Babson College

How do you create social value and make money at the same time? Whether you’re a big company or a small one, or a non-profit, listen to Green Connections Radio host Joan Michelson’s probing conversation with Cheryl Kiser, head of the Lewis Center for Social Innovation at Babson College and co-author of the new book, “Creating Social Value: A Guide for Leaders and Change Makers.”

Leveraging Sustainable Business Practices – with Mindy Lubber, CEO of Ceres

The Paris Accord Changed Business Practices Forever For 25 years, Ceres has been a force to be reckoned with as they drive sustainable business practices in the world’s largest companies. Ceres engages investors, executives and policymakers to use their own business practices and resources to stop “the bus coming towards us and our kids called… Continue reading Leveraging Sustainable Business Practices – with Mindy Lubber, CEO of Ceres

Double-Bottom Line Investing – with Nancy Pfund, of Tesla fame

Investing in Companies to Benefit Society – & Your Wallet Doing well by doing good is a universal value – but is it only for the lucky few? Nancy Pfund, Managing Partner of DBL Investors, who has been featured in the New York Times as a pioneer, talks with Green Connections host Joan Michelson about… Continue reading Double-Bottom Line Investing – with Nancy Pfund, of Tesla fame

“It’s Easier to Change the World If You Have Money” – Serial Entrepreneur & EDA Head Julie Kirk

“It’s easier to change the world if you have money.” Julie Lenzer Kirk, award-winning serial entrepreneur and head of the Economic Development Administration Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIE) at the U.S. Commerce Department. As a mentor to entrepreneurs and an author, Kirk shares juicy insider tips for fulfilling the entrepreneur’s ‘hierarchy of needs” based on her own successes (and failures). Grab something to write with….
Listen to this engaging and informative discussion with Green Connections host Joan Michelson as Kirk encourages entrepreneurs to think big, define your niche and where to go to get the money, services and support you need because “you being starving does not help anyone.”

A Clean Energy Investor & Evangelist with a Ted Roosevelt IV

Jobs, Clean Tech Investing, Carbon Tax & Bridging the Ideological Divide Remarkable clean energy innovations, the challenges of a carbon tax, jobs, and investing in clean energy – told with great stories. All from a man who carries the legacy of one of the most renowned (and provocative) United States Presidents. Listen to this engaging… Continue reading A Clean Energy Investor & Evangelist with a Ted Roosevelt IV

Can Microgrids Prevent Power Loss – and Pay YOU?

Remember the last time you lost power…it doesn’t have to be that way Remember the last time you lost power…Did you lose documents on your computer? Was your home suddenly dark, leaving you fumbling around for a flashlight? Was it a bad storm? Our power-dependent lives are brought to a screeching halt when we lose… Continue reading Can Microgrids Prevent Power Loss – and Pay YOU?