Climate Forward Business Program

Door County businesses have a powerful role to play in shaping a more sustainable future for our community. The Climate Forward Business Program makes it simple to take the next step. Whether you’re just beginning or already on the path, CCCDC is here as a partner to help your business reduce its climate impact, strengthen its operations, and lead with purpose.

Why Local Businesses are Joining

Climate change can feel overwhelming, and solutions can sound expensive.

By joining the Climate Forward Business Program, your business will receive support. Plus, many of the solutions can save you money.

By joining the Climate Forward Business Program, your business gets support, resources, and recognition for taking steps toward sustainability. Together, we can protect what makes Door County special while strengthening your business for the future.

  1. Save Money: Cut waste, improve efficiency, and reduce energy costs.

  2. Personalized Advising: Work with CCCDC to identify the best opportunities for your business.

  3. Community Recognition: Be featured on our website, public announcements, and communications. Receive a window decal so customers know you're committed.

  4. Collaboration & Networking with Peers: Connect with like-minded business leaders and share strategies for climate-friendly practices.

  5. Future Opportunities: Access new resources, invitations to the annual Climate Forward Business Summit, and inclusion in a future Climate Forward Business map.

“I think the Climate Forward Business Program has so much potential to help restaurant owners put their good ideas and intentions for climate mitigation into action through the sharing of solutions we have collectively found over our years of working in the industry in Door County. I’m excited to hear what other businesses are doing to tackle challenging problems, and what ideas the CCC of DC has to offer us.”
— Meredith Coulson-Kanter of White Gull Inn and Restaurant

Getting started is simple. We’ll guide you every step of the way so your business can take action with confidence.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Fill Out the Onboarding Form: Take 5-10 minutes to fill out our onboarding form, best for businesses that have already started on their climate journey. Tell us a little about your business, what you are already doing, and your goals for becoming more climate-friendly.

  2. Connect with a CCCDC Advisor: We’ll follow up to provide more information and help you choose the best starting point.

  3. Take Action With Support from Community: Begin making progress in one of our Climate Forward focus areas, with CCCDC advising and resources sharing along the way to help you stay on track.

3 Simple Steps to Get Started

Fill Out The Onboarding Form

Do you need more information before joining?

Our Interest Form is a great place to start! It’s shorter than the full onboarding form and gives you the opportunity to speak with an advisor before committing to the programme and understand how it can support your business. Plus, if your business doesn’t yet meet one of the requirements, the form will add you to our contact list so joining later becomes easier. A CCCDC advisor will reach out to explore opportunities, answer your questions, and help you start your climate-friendly journey.

Fill Out the Interest Form

Key Areas of Impact

Every business is different. That’s why the Climate Forward Business Program is built around flexibility. We’ll help you identify the areas that make the most sense for your business and support you as you take the next step. There's no need to be perfect; we look for progress.

Renewable Energy & Efficiency

Explore opportunities to save money and cut emissions through solar, efficient lighting, and energy-smart upgrades.

Rewild Door County

Enhance your business property with native plants and habitats that support biodiversity and improve resilience.

Reduce Food Waste & Composting

From kitchen scraps to customer leftovers, learn how to keep food out of landfills and turn waste into healthy soil.

Sustainable Sourcing & Waste Reduction

Rethink packaging, supply chains, and purchasing choices to lower costs and reduce your footprint.

Sustainable Transportation

Discover options for reducing fossil fuel use, from EV charging to bike-friendly practices for employees and customers.

Climate Education & Community Engagement

Empower your staff and customers with knowledge, workshops, and opportunities to be part of your sustainability journey.

 FAQs

  • No. The Climate Forward Business program is free and does not cost money to join. Some climate-friendly upgrades (like solar or efficiency improvements) may require investment, but our team will help you explore rebates, incentives, and cost-saving measures.

  • The Climate Forward Business Program grew out of the Door County Climate Declaration, which was signed by more than 120 local businesses committed to sustainability. This program is the next step—moving from commitment to action, with CCCDC as your partner every step of the way.

  • There is no designated timeframe to the program. We want to support you achieve your goals at a rate that works for your schedule.

  • It’s up to you. We understand that businesses are busy. We can work at a pace that fits your busy schedule. If you’re a seasonal business, we also recognize that there may be times of year when you have more free time than others. Your advisor can work with you to figure out what works best.

  • We recommend filling out the Interest Form, even if you don’t have set goals or a set timeline.

    We’ll meet you where you are and help identify the best opportunities for your business, whether that’s saving energy, cutting waste, or engaging staff and customers in climate-friendly practices.

    • Save money through efficiency and waste reduction.

    • Access one-on-one advising and resources.

    • Gain recognition through our website, window decals, and future Climate Forward Business map.

    • Connect with other business leaders and be invited to our annual Climate Forward Business Summit.