Many small businesses lack the resources to communicate and collaborate with other small businesses. There is simply not enough time or manpower to delegate to it. During a time when green innovations and ideas are sprouting up daily, small green businesses are often left in the dust with little hope of capitalizing on these new ideas.

A new network organization, The Business Alliance for Local Living Communities (BALLE), is making it easier for small businesses to do just that: access sustainability resources that would otherwise be unavailable because of their size, while at the same time exchanging ideas and experiences with similar businesses. BALLE seeks to assist sustainably-minded businesses in the United States and Canada by facilitating a resource-rich network “by catalyzing and connecting local business networks dedicated to Living Economy principles.” Unlike ever before, BALLE’s network is allowing small sustainable-minded businesses to share their best practices and sustainability initiatives with other businesses across the United States and Canada.

According to BALLE’s website:

[BALLE] is the world’s fastest growing network of sustainable businesses committed to building local economies and transforming the community economic development field. BALLE is comprised of more than 60 local networks of independent businesses in a variety of locales across the US and Canada, and represents more than 20,000 entrepreneurs.

BALLE brings together small business leaders, economic development professionals, government officials, social innovators, and community leaders to build local living economies. We provide local, state, national, and international resources to this new model of economic development.

BALLE first and foremost emphasizes networking between local businesses, community groups, etc. But as you probably know, sustainability often goes hand-in-hand with “community-based businesses.” They are currently concentrating on sustainable agriculture, green building, renewable energy and energy efficiency, and zero waste manufacturing, as well as a number of other smaller sectors. BALLE believes that the four large sectors, however, will be the most crucial for transforming to a greener economy.

Networks are available in most states and the number is currently growing. If you and your business are interested in finding a network near you, check it out.