Business Planning
The most critical part of starting up a business is writing a business plan. A business plan describes the business, its objectives, strategies, market and financial forecast. It is the roadmap and communication tool for the company. RBAC can assist start-ups with reviewing portions of your business plan pertaining to recycling markets. The Small Business Association has a great on-line source for writing a business plan including examples. The North Carolina Small Business and Technology Development Center helps start-up businesses address a wide-range of issues such as financing, marketing, human resources, operations, business planning, strategy and feasibility assessments.
Market Research
RBAC conducts research on recycling markets which can be used for analyzing business opportunities in the recycling industry.
Facility Siting
Finding the right location for a facility is crucial to the business’ success. The N.C. Department of Commerce has an on-line source of available sites and buildings to help determine an optimum location for any business or facility.
Equipment
Find sources of new and used recycling equipment.
Permitting
Some businesses may require environmental permits in order to protect human health and the environment. The Customer Service Center for the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, through its 1-STOP permit assistance program, helps customers determine what environmental permits are needed for a particular project. The program also provides information about permit decision timelines.
Financing
A variety of funding opportunities are available to recycling businesses in North Carolina. Direct financial assistance is available through RBAC’s Recycling Business Development Grants and the N.C. Recycling Tax Credit program. RBAC also offers information on additional funding sources such as loans and venture capital, through various partner agencies.
Recycling Works Newsletter
RBAC’s quarterly newsletter, Recycling Works discusses current topics of interest to recycling businesses, including information on financing opportunities, commodity markets and new technologies. To receive the online newsletter through e-mail, contact Wendy Worley or 919-715-6542).
General Business Start-up and Development Assistance Links
Publications
To aid the recycling community in its pursuits, RBAC produces informational documents, guides and directories. These resources provide current, accurate information on topics ranging from recycling markets and infrastructure to funding and buying recycled products.
