Dream. Create. Sustain.

Start and Grow a Sustainable Business

Dream. Create. Sustain.

Start and Grow a Sustainable Business

Create a Business that Succeeds

Entrepreneurship can be an incredible journey. 55% of U.S. adults have started a business, and 63% view entrepreneurship as a good career choice.

And our future is bright: two thirds of youth (13 to 17 years old) want to start a business someday.

Most people want to become an entrepreneur because of the desire for independence, pursuing passions, financial freedom, and making a difference, as well as the opportunity to be creative and innovative.

However, the sad fact is that most businesses fail. One in five (20%) fail in their first year. At the 5 year mark, half of businesses have failed. If you are starting a scalable startup, the odds are even more against you: 90% fail in the first few years - and if you are going to “make it big” it will take at least 7 years to make traction.

How can you pursue the dream of owning your own impactful businesses, while beating the odds?

Introducing Sustain Startup Methodology

sus·tain/səˈstān/ • verb
strengthen or support physically or mentally.
Definition from Oxford Languages

I recommend the Sustain Startup approach to intentionally build a business that beats the odds. In this approach you:

Sustain your energy and focus so you accomplish what matters most while living a life in balance
Sustain your business with a strong foundation built on knowledge, finances, and connection.
Sustain resources that are offered by the environment.

Sustain Your Focus: Work Smarter, Achieve More

Entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint. To build a business that lasts, you need to sustain your energy and focus, ensuring that you accomplish what matters without burning out.

Prioritize What Matters Most
Identify high-impact tasks and eliminate distractions. Use time-blocking techniques to stay focused.
Develop a Sustainable Work Routine
Balance deep work with breaks, ensuring that your schedule supports long-term productivity.
Protect Your Mental and Physical Well-being
Get enough rest, exercise, and manage stress to maintain peak performance.
Align Your Work with Purpose
Staying connected to your mission keeps motivation high and helps navigate challenges.
Balance
Yes, you are a founder, but you are still a person and need to maintain balance in your life or you will burnout and abandon your business or lose focus on what what matters post. In addition to your startup, continue to fill other parts of your life: Family, Financial, Spiritual, Intellectual, Community, and Health.

Sustain Your Business: Build for Long-Term Success

A sustainable business isn’t just about cash flow—it’s about building a strong foundation with customers, networks, and support systems that ensure long-term resilience.

Maintain Healthy Cash Flow
Monitor revenue and expenses, create a financial buffer, and invest wisely in growth.
Know Your Customers
Fall in love with your customer and the problem that you are solving. Personally interview 5, 10, 100, 200, and more target customers to understand them. Keep notes about all conversations; you will need data when you are raising capital. As you establish your business, build strong relationships by delivering value, listening to feedback, and fostering trust.
Connect with Ecosystem, Network & Mentors
Connect with mentors, peers, incubators, and business assistance providers in your region to gain insights, partnerships, and opportunities that will support your growth.
Stay curious
Continuously learn about your competition, customer, industry, technology, community, funding opportunities. Knowledge is critical for success.
Secure the Right Capital
Explore funding options such as grants, loans, investors, or bootstrapping to ensure you have the resources needed for growth.

Sustain Resources: Building a Business that Respects the Planet

In today’s world, sustainability isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity. Entrepreneurs have a unique opportunity to build businesses that are both successful and responsible, ensuring that we sustain the limited environmental resources available to us. The choices you make now can set your business apart and create a lasting impact for generations to come.

Choose a Planet-Positive Business Idea
If you haven’t chosen a business yet, consider one that directly benefits the planet, such as sustainable packaging, eco-friendly products, or ocean conservation initiatives.
Minimize Waste from Day One
Start with a waste-conscious mindset by reducing packaging, repurposing materials, and choosing sustainable suppliers.
Use Energy-Efficient Practices
Opt for renewable energy, energy-saving office setups, and remote work to lower environmental impact.
Source Sustainably
Select ethical and eco-friendly materials, ensuring your supply chain aligns with sustainability goals.
Engage with the Blue Economy
If applicable, support ocean-friendly practices by reducing plastic waste and exploring bluetech solutions.

Being an entrepreneur doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Small, intentional steps can lead to long-term success while making a positive impact on the planet.

Dream. Create. Sustain.

Dream. Create. Sustain.

Create a Business that Succeeds

Introducing Sustain Startup Methodology

Sustain Your Focus: Work Smarter, Achieve More

Sustain Your Business: Build for Long-Term Success

Sustain Resources: Building a Business that Respects the Planet

My Sustainable Startup Blog

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