Companies around the world are combining environmental and social responsibility to achieve improved financial performance. Yet, with the many elements that go into a strategic sustainability plan, businesses and their employees often get mired in the details. The first part of this book shows step-by-step how to define a sustainability plan that fits your organization. The second part is a choose-your-own-adventure reference guide to environmental and social initiatives that will help improve your bottom line. Adam Hammes weaves together easy-to-understand models, business examples, and personal stories from his years of experience. Drawing from his time as the first manager of sustainability for Kum & Go, an independent sustainability consultant, and the executive director of the Iowa Sustainable Business Forum, the book explains what sustainable business means and documents the well-researched ways in which environmental and social responsibility programs unfold inside companies. Over thirty case studies from responsible Iowa businesses illustrate exactly what you can do to assess your organization and take the next successful step. Some of these examples you will recognize, and hopefully many will be new. Sustainable Business in Iowa provides a simple framework for any professional who is committed to environmental and social performance, but who feels stuck and unsure of where to go next. The 5 Stage Journey - Learn the five stages of corporate sustainability initiatives. Know where you stand, so you can prepare for a successful move to the next stage. Related Issues - Learn how environmental and social issues develop in their later stages. Discover how working on related issues separately can severely limit success. Moving Stages - Learn what moves a company from one stage of an initiative to the next. Grasp how to facilitate that transition, generate momentum fast, and save time. Envision an Iowa where every business professional understands how to lead financially, environmentally, and socially responsible change in the workplace. Envision an Iowa where more and more of our local companies are seen as national and global leaders in sustainable business. Sustainable Business in Iowa shows you how that future is possible. For every paperback sold, $1 is donated to Net Impact and ENACTUS (Entrepreneurship Action Us). Thank you for helping future generations lead environmentally and socially responsible businesses of tomorrow.
How to Start a Business in Iowa is your roadmap to avoid planning, legal and financial pitfalls and direct you through the bureaucratic red tape that often entangles fledgling entrepreneurs. This all-in-one resource goes a step beyond other business how-to books to give you a jump-start on planning for your business and provides you with: Quick reference to the most current mailing and Internet addresses and telephone numbers for federal, state, local and private agencies that will help get your business up and running State population statistics, income and consumption rates, major industry trends and overall business incentives to give you a better picture of doing business in Iowa Checklists, sample forms and a complete sample business plan to assist you with numerous startup details State-specific information on issues like choosing a legal form, selecting a business name, obtaining licenses and permits, registering to pay for taxes and knowing your employer responsibilities Federal and state options for financing your new venture
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20 Step QUICK START GUIDE topics include: Step 1: Write a business plan Step 2: Obtain start-up capital Step 3: Set up a legal business structure Step 4: Register `Doing Business As¿ names Step 5: Appoint a Registered Agent Step 6: Protect your company name Step 7: Employer Identification Number Step 8: Business licensing requirements Step 9: Draft internal documents Step 10: Satisfy insurance requirements Step 11: Establish a business presence Step 12: Establish a Web presence Step 13: Develop business collateral Step 14: Open a bank/ merchant account Step 15: Accounting procedures Step 16: Get a business credit card Step 17: Identify where to get help Step 18: Get started Step 19: Additional filings Step 20: Follow government rules Includes state specific information