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Building a sustainable business
by Michelle Knapik, Director of Energy Policy, City of Philadelphia, ELP Fellow 2001-2003
 Take the City of Philadelphia, add an alternative fuel advocacy group (Clean Cities), one EPA grant, and an entrepreneur and you get a demonstration of how government can leverage resources in support of sustainable business development. When Ed Kron discovered a British bicycle company design for small, low-speed, pedal-assist electric utility passenger and cargo vehicles he saw opportunities to reduce pollution and vehicle miles traveled by replacing gasoline and diesel powered cars and trucks in gated communities, parks, industrial and institutional campuses, resorts and countless other places (see www.kronosport.com). Kron demonstrated the hybrid vehicles at a local Clean Cities meeting, and approached the City of Philadelphia about potential municipal government applications.
As the City representative working with Ed Kron, I can attest to the fact that the yearlong journey from securing one of ten EPA grants to finishing the final specifications for the reengineered production models has been a lesson in small business development. The environmental appeal of the vehicles is a big factor in securing grants and attracting customers. In addition to the environmental benefits of the vehicles themselves, factor in partnerships with local engineering firms and parts manufacturers; a production facility that will be located in an Empowerment Zone; and the creation of local jobs, and Kronosport becomes a sustainable business model.
However, Kronosport is a small company trying to compete for a limited pool of venture capital. Philadelphia is set to introduce the vehicles this August and hopes the story will lead to a happy ending. |
Kari Carney,
Michelle Knapik,
Tara Wesely,
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