Highlights

• Why do you want to set up an ethical business and what does 'ethical' mean to you?
  
  
• Ethical business models, including not-for-profits, co-operatives, Community Interest Companies, social enterprises, charities, for-profits with a conscience, and more ...
  
  
• Practical step by step guide to getting started, getting funding, getting help, growing and succeeding
  
• Making the world a better place through ethical small business
  
  
• Inspiring real-life stories throughout of individuals and groups who have successfully set up ethical enterprises
  
  
• 192 pages on recycled paper, with a 16-page full colour "Where Next?" resources section

Contents

Introduction. Why a book about starting an ethical business? Levels of ethical consumerism. Who is this book for? The need for ethical entrepreneurs.

Why ethical small business? Individuals can change the world. Are you an ethical entrepreneur? What do we mean by 'ethical' anyway? The differenct approaches: product, structure, supply chains way of doing business?

The ethical product or service. From growing and distributing organic product or fair trade goods, to providing affordable child care. How to make an ordinary product or service socially responsible. Developing what you offer.

The ethical outcome. How small ethical business can contribute to solving social problems: 'The Big Issue effect'. Everything from road-side recycling schemes or furniture resale, to gardening work with people with learning difficulites.

The ethical structure. Community Interest Companies, charities, co-operatives, social enterprises. Writing specific social aims and commitments into Memorandums and Articles of Association.

Doing business ethically. From reducing your business's impact on the environment to pursuing age or parent-friendly employment policies. Getting started. Writing your business plan, and getting support. Defining your goals and your ethical outlook. Planning for start, and planning for growth.

Getting funding. Do you need start-up funding? How to access ethical funding. Can you turn dirty money clean? Other forms of support. Social marketing and promotion. Ethical and non-sector outlets for media and advertising. Selling your business vs. selling its ethics.

Accounting and accountability. How should yours be different? The importance of auditing of your ethical results. How to measure successes / impact.