SJF Green Economy Summit a Success!
With more than 360 attendees and a wealth of inspiring and informative content about cleantech investment, green jobs, and more, SJF’s Summit on the New Green Economy was a resounding success. The event brought together entrepreneurs, investors, economic developers, government officials, and community leaders from 27 states to participate in an interactive dialogue about accelerating the green economy. “‘Green’ can be overwhelming to an entrepreneur, but this event helped me focus,” said attendee Jonathan Pullen. “Everyone I met was knowledgable and I had great conversations.”
Through a variety of speakers and content areas, the Summit demonstrated that businesses, investors, and communities can benefit from environmentally innovative technologies, services and products that yield financial returns and economic growth. Highlights included keynotes from Melissa Bradley Burns (pictured above) of Green For All, who said that “clean energy does mean good-paying jobs,” and Martin Eakes, Founder and CEO of Self-Help Credit Union and the Center for Responsible Lending who exhorted the audience to “embrace trusteeship and sustainability.” Jeff Wolfe, CEO of groSolar, in his closing keynote had a simple call to arms for SJF Summit attendees: develop and grow business pursuits that push renewable energy and cleantech. “This is the moment,” said Wolfe. “Let’s go do it.”
We hope the Summit inspired many attendees to action, as they look for opportunities to capitalize on the burgeoning green economy. Read more about the Summit on SJF’s cleantech investing blog and join the SJF Green Economy Network to participate in the conversation.
SJF Employee Financial Stability Webinar – July 14, 2 PM EST
Learn the warning signs of employee financial stress, low-cost local and national resources your business can tap, and strategies used by leading entrepreneurial employer Ryla such as their paper free payroll system, “cashless cafe,” and financial education workshops.
As the global financial crisis continues, smart businesses will do what they can to help address their employees’ financial stress. Increased costs for basic necessities – food, fuel, health care, housing -re stretching families to the limit. Studies show that employee financial problems result in lower job productivity, increased absenteeism, increased substance abuse, and high turnover – all of which impact a company’s profitability.
Presenters will include Janet Raffel from JE Raffel & Associates, Karen Clay from Ryla, Alison Yonas from Latino Community Credit Union, Larrey Riddle from MACED and moderator Anne Claire Broughton from SJF Advisory Services. Learn more and register
June REBN-RTP Gathering Highlights Cleantech Firms
SJF Ventures and the Council for Entrepreneurial Development co-hosted the second meeting of the Renewable Energy Business Network – Research Triangle Park Chapter in Durham, NC on June 24. REBN is a national organization with chapters in 11 US cities that brings together business professionals with an interest in clean technology. Cleantech companies presenting on June 24 included Windlift, Ensolve Biosystems, Breezeplay, Orbit Energy, and Illumination Renewables. The next REBN-RTP event will take place in August; check the REBN-RTP website for details. SJF also co-hosts the New York chapter of REBN.
SJF Portfolio Company Updates
Cleanscapes, a sustainable solid waste and recycling collection company, successfully rolled out their Seattle operations and is receiving positive media attention. View a recent Seattle news story
Ryla, a leading call center solutions provider based in Kennesaw, GA, announced the opening of a new facility outside of Mobile, Alabama which is expected to create 1,200 new jobs by 2011. Read more
EdMap, Nelsonville, OH, which provides software and fulfillment for distance learning, recently named Micah Zimmerman CFO. Zimmerman has experience with both large firms, such as Sony and Toyota, and two successful start-up companies. Learn more about EdMap
groSolar, which designs and installs solar energy systems, has been named the first place 5x5x5 Growth Award winner in the technology category by the Vermont Business Magazine for the third consecutive year. The award recognizes groSolar, the fastest-growing technology company in Vermont, for its leadership in solar energy market development. Read more
MedPage Today, a health care media company, was awarded the Gold Award for Best Overall Web Publication from the American Society of Healthcare Publication Editors (ASHPE). Learn more about MedPage Today
SJF Celebrates 10th Anniversary!
SJF celebrated its 10-year anniversary with a gathering of supporters and partners in Durham, NC on June 2. SJF Ventures now manages two funds which have invested in 29 companies that now have aggregate revenues of $500 million, 128 facilities, and 4,600 employees. SJF Advisory Services has assisted 1,500 entrepreneurial companies through workshops and direct advising. SJF has offices in Durham, NC, New York, and San Francisco and invests throughout the U.S. Portfolio companies include Salvage Direct, EdMap, Ryla, groSolar, Intechra, Brightside Academy, BB Hobbs, Truist, Foxfire, Medpage Today, ServiceChannel, Cleanscapes, Rustic Crust and Telkore. www.sjfventures.com
Coming Events for SJF Team
Arrun Kapoor and David Kirkpatrick will both serve as judges at the New Energy Symposium July 8-9 in New York. Anne Claire Broughton will moderate the July 14 SJF Employee Financial Stability Webinar. David Griest will attend the Cleantech Forum in Boston Sept. 8-10 and Three Rivers Venture Fair in Pittsburgh Sept. 15-16. Bonny Moellenbrock will attend SoCap in San Francisco Sept. 1-3.
Investors’ Circle Fall Conference and Venture Fair
Seeking capital for your social venture?
Present your deal to the largest and oldest network of early-stage investors dedicated to funding mission-driven companies. The application deadline in July 31. Read more and apply
