1. What is an urban farming and permaculture business?
There are several kinds of small businesses that can arise from urban farming and permaculture design. Permaculture is understood as modeling food production after systems found in a natural environment. This is an alternative to traditional landscape and row cropping approaches which are labor and resource intensive. In contrast, Permaculture works with nature, and creates a perennial food bearing systems, which require little maintenance and soil disruption once developed. Permaculture can be practiced in a wide range of geographies and climates, from inner-city New York, to arid India with its scarce water resources.
With a certification in Permaculture design, one can offer sustainable and edible landscaping services, training, and even grow food for resale. Courses in permaculture are offered all over the country. See the permaculture institute for more information on available workshops.
2. What required knowledge or skills are necessary?
While there is no ‘formal’ requirement for this job, an education through the permaculture institute (above) will lend credibility to your business and provide you the tools and resources needed to get the job done. The study of permaculture requires some training and natural aptitude in the way of observing and understanding natural systems such as weather patterns, water flow, plant relationships and climate. This work can be physically demanding.
3. How much money is required to start?
$-$$ (on a scale of $ to $$$$$)
4. What is the income potential?
$$ (on a scale of $ to $$$$$)
5. What is the best location for an urban farming and permaculture business?
Urban (best), semi-urban (very good), suburbs (very good), rural (fair/poor).
6. Three best questions to ask yourself to find out if this business is right for you (if you can answer yes to all three, this business might be for you):
Do you love spending time in the outdoors and observing nature?
Can you work with clients, ensuring their satisfaction?
Do you enjoy physical work and transforming outdoor spaces through your labor?
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Interested in starting one in your community? Where do you begin? What permits do you need? Who is your target customer? How do you find them? What is the best use of your limited advertising dollars? What’s the best way to attract a great employee or volunteer? What does an average day look like? What strategic tips do veteran eco-entrepreneurs suggest for startups like you?
There’s a lot to think about. Rest easy. Our mission is to help you succeed, so drop us a line (Info@GreenBusinessVillage.com). We’ll get you a business planning document to get you on your way for ONLY $199! We also guarantee our work, so if you are not satisfied, you get your money back!*
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