Six-month, grant-funded program helps local businesses cut costs, manage risk, and strengthen environmental performance
Green Bay, WI — February 16, 2026. The Sustainable Business Council (SBC) is now accepting applications from small and mid-sized businesses to participate in the Green Bay Sustainable Business Accelerator, a free, six-month cohort program with space for up to ten businesses. Supported by a grant from the Daybreak Fund, the accelerator helps Green Bay businesses strengthen sustainability practices, reduce environmental impacts, and improve long-term resilience. The program aligns with local priorities including the City of Green Bay’s Clean Energy and Green Stormwater Infrastructure plans.
The Accelerator guides participants in understanding and improving environmental impacts, building strategic sustainability practices, and implementing nature-based solutions, such as green stormwater infrastructure and habitat enhancements that reduce costs, manage risk, and support community health.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
Participants leave the program with a clear sustainability roadmap, practical tools they can use immediately, and a plan to implement at least one costsaving, naturebased solution tailored to their business.
- Six-session cohort (April–June 2026) held at the Urban Hub in Green Bay
- Expert coaching on strategic priority setting, energy and greenhouse gas management, waste reduction, water stewardship, and biodiversity
- Tools to measure and manage environmental impacts
- Support for planning to implement at least one nature-based solution aligned with the City’s Clean Energy Green Bay and Green Stormwater Infrastructure plans
- Free participation for selected businesses
WHO SHOULD APPLY
The Green Bay Sustainable Business Accelerator is ideal for:
- Small and mid-sized businesses (typically 150 employees or less) located in or close to the City of Green Bay
- Organizations looking to reduce energy, water, or waste costs
- Businesses new to sustainability or ready to take the next step
- Teams interested in practical, locally relevant solutions, not just theory
Applications are now open and will be accepted through March 27, 2026. Businesses interested in securing one of the limited cohort spots are encouraged to apply early at:
www.wisconsinsustainability.com/gbaccelerator
TIMELINE
- Applications open: Now through March 27, 2026
- Cohort selection announced: April 2026
- Cohort sessions: April 10 – June 26, 2026, biweekly from 10 AM – 12 PM
- Implementation support: July–September 2026
“This accelerator is designed for busy businesses that want real, practical sustainability support, not just extra paperwork,” said a representative from the Sustainable Business Council. “We’re excited to work with a small group of Green Bay companies ready to lead by example.”
Businesses, chambers of commerce, utilities, and community partners are encouraged to share this opportunity with their networks. SBC can provide readytouse newsletter blurbs, social media copies, or slides upon request.
For program related inquiries, contact Christa Kananen at Christa@SustainableBusinessCouncil.org
ABOUT SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS COUNCIL (formerly Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council)
The Sustainable Business Council (SBC) helps businesses integrate sustainability into their strategy and operations. For nearly 20 years, SBC’s Green Masters Program® has provided a framework for organizations to measure and communicate their environmental, social, and economic impacts. Through membership, resources, and consulting, SBC empowers businesses to make sustainability a core driver of long-term value and resilience. SBC: Where sustainability meets business success.
