Program on the Environment

This project explores how sustainable small businesses in the Puget Sound region face and can overcome structural barriers that limit their ability to thrive. While these enterprises play a vital role in advancing environmental goals and community resilience, they often lack the institutional infrastructure, legal clarity, and financial access available to larger corporations. Through a sustainability communications internship with the UW Bothell and Cascadia College Sustainability Programs, I conducted qualitative interviews with owners of three local small businesses: Ravenna Refills, Crystalyn Kae Accessories, and De La Soil. These interviews were complemented by a review of regional sustainability policies, economic data, and digital marketing practices, as well as a storytelling component through the Common Caws for Sustainability podcast series. The research identifies three key categories of barriers: financial, legal, and digital marketing. However, findings also point to emerging solutions such as accessible green financing, simplified certification processes, and collaborative digital networks that strengthen visibility and community engagement. By integrating narrative storytelling with applied research, this project bridges the gap between policy and practice, offering tangible pathways for a more resilient and equitable sustainability economy across Puget Sound.