We’ve asked some of our #SFSBW2018 sponsors to share their insights, and how they help small business flourish in San Francisco.

Today we hear from Marina Parsos, Communications Manager at CleanPowerSF.

Operated by the City of San Francisco through the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, CleanPowerSF is a partnership with PG&E to offer cleaner energy at low, stable rates.

How does your CleanPowerSF support and engage the small business community?

This July (2018), we will be enrolling San Francisco businesses into CleanPowerSF! To get the word out and to answer any questions that business owners might have about CleanPowerSF, GoSolarSF, or other energy programs at the SF Public Utilities Commission, we’re doing as much as possible to engage with the business community. We participate in many business networking events, attend merchant association meetings, meet with business leaders across many sectors, and get out into neighborhood business corridors to answer questions and chat with local business owners. We also partner with small businesses to host clean energy education events throughout the city.

What tools and resources has your organization created to help small businesses tap into new opportunities to reach new customers, increase their revenue, and grow their business?

CleanPowerSF offers a complimentary co-marketing program for our SuperGreen 100% renewable energy customers. We help small businesses reach new customers by highlighting their commitment to clean energy on our social media platforms, in our newsletters, and through other channels. We’re always happy to work with businesses on creative, out of the box events and promotions that maximize reach and spread the word about the sustainability efforts of our SuperGreen customers.

What are the trends you see when you think about the small business marketplace, and how will these trends shape the future of small business?

Many customers in San Francisco want to know that the businesses they support are doing their part for the environment and for the community. And, as costs come down and incentive programs ramp up for many kinds of sustainability practices, it’s easier than ever to make a positive impact. One of the “trends” we will see is expansion of the programs and incentives offered to support small businesses in innovating their supply chains, business practices, and operations for a more sustainable future. As a local clean energy provider for our community, CleanPowerSF staff are excited to learn about businesses’ needs and develop programs that address them.

Can you share one brief story about how CleanPowerSF is helping San Francisco businesses thrive?

Earl’s Organic Produce, a family-run business, had long awaited the opportunity to power their 30,000-square foot warehouse with renewable energy. In 2016, Earl’s became the first business to be a CleanPowerSF 100% renewable SuperGreen customer. Today, they’re closer than ever to reaching their goal to become a zero waste and carbon neutral facility.

What words of advice or wisdom would you like to share with small business owners?

Consumers are paying more attention to the ethics and choices of businesses. The idea of the “triple bottom line” – profit, people, and planet – is becoming mainstream. Fortunately, investing in “triple bottom line” projects like environmentally-friendly practices has become easier through rebate and incentive programs for businesses small and large. For example, our GoSolarSF program offers one-time incentive payments to reduce project costs to install solar panels (and the program also provides jobs to disadvantaged San Franciscans and supports solar projects for low-income households). SF Environment’s Green Business Program is a great place to turn for advice and ideas on improving your “triple bottom line” across your entire business. And, of course, one of the easiest steps a business can take on the way to being green is to sign up for 100% renewable energy from CleanPowerSF!

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