Business Council of Westchester Receives State Funding to Expand Green Business Challenge

The Business Council of Westchester received a $540,000 grant from New York State that it will use to expand its Westchester Green Business Challenge.

First launched in 2009 in partnership with Westchester County, the program helps Westchester-based organizations become environmentally sustainable while simultaneously improving performance and saving money. To date, the program has grown to include over 275 businesses.

“We’re happy that this incredibly effective and forward-looking program is being provided with the resources to grow,” Marsha Gordon, President and CEO of The Business Council of Westchester said in a press release. “The Westchester Green Business Challenge started out as a worthwhile concept a few years ago and has proven to be beneficial for local businesses and our environment. We’re so pleased with its success.”

As part of the challenge, businesses are provided with the resources on how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, waste production and water use while also being shown the value of making informed transportation and land use decisions. Businesses are provided with tools and activities such as an interactive websites, live educational and networking events, live training webinars, and direct personal assistance from staff.

The funding is part of $82.8 million awarded through the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council, of which Gordon is a member. The MHREDC was also designated as a “Top Performer” by Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Councils and was given the largest amount of the 10 regional councils that are part of the competitive funding process. In all, 118 projects in the Mid-Hudson Region will receive funding.

Image via Shutterstock

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