Principal Consultant, Stephen Gale & Associates

Stephen Gale is the Principal Consultant for Stephen Gale & Associates, a business development partnership located in Northern California. Stephen works with socially responsible early stage companies, many of whom have already grown to the point that they are preparing for a funding event – including second or third round venture financing, mezzanine financing, attracting a strategic investor and traditional bank financing, including asset based lending. Sustainable business practices produce cost savings and profit enhancements that can mean significantly better performance over the long run vis-à-vis competitors. For over 20 years, Stephen has incorporated sustainability principles in his work with businesses located in the United States, Europe, Australia and Canada.

This interactive workshop will provide practical information on how to conduct a basic "self assessment" and determine "first steps" to reducing your organization's use of resources and how to lessen harmful impacts on the immediate environment. Using a case study format, participants will complete a plan of action that identifies primary impacts, highlights opportunities for change and prioritizes those opportunities. All workshop content is available at no cost in the public domain and does not require expert advice to get started. Co-taught by two business owners who created successful, award-winning programs in a small business and a mid-size corporate environment, you will benefit from lessons learned as well as hands-on experience at the conference. Participants will be better prepared to "hit the ground running."