Business Profile: Growing City is the simple, clean and convenient way to bring composting and recycling to your office and business. By implementing their easy and engaging services, you can responsibly reduce your waste by up to 50 percent or more – while making a positive impact on global warming and limiting your contribution to local landfills. With premium customer service, educational tools and monthly reporting, Growing City makes it easy to keep your team’s environmental commitments going strong!

Her Story:  From kitchen to compost!

Lisa von Sturmer was inspired to go into the business of composting after spending a week at a cabin on Desolation Sound, where composting is mandatory. After seeing how much organic waste ended up in office trash, Lisa saw an opportunity to create a business and help the planet at the same time.

With the help of Small Business BC and the investment of CYBF, Growing City opened its doors to immediate success. As a new entrepreneur, Lisa is incredibly appreciative of her CYBF mentor Kevin Brennan, who advises her on everything from contracting relationships, to dealing with competitors and client incentives.

While the young business owner admits that entrepreneurship includes challenges, Lisa says that the benefits far outweigh any difficulties. “I have always dreamed of working for myself. Being an entrepreneur has allowed me to build my ideal work environment that’s infused with my personal values of sustainability and community involvement,” explained Lisa.

CYBF Quote

“CYBF has provided me with the counsel, research material, funding and confidence I needed to start our business right. With their help, I fast-tracked the start-up phase of my business and am happy to say that now Growing City is making a real difference!”

- Lisa von Sturmer, Growing City

Mentoring Quote

“Kevin’s realistic and enthusiastic outlook gives me the confidence and knowledge I need throughout the ups and downs of starting and running a business. His expertise, connections and experience are powerful resources that are preventing me from learning everything ‘the hard way!’

- Lisa von Sturmer, Growing City 

Small Business BC

Small Business BC, a public and private sector collaboration, is the comprehensive Business Development Resource for people exploring opportunities, launching new ventures and growing existing businesses. Visit www.smallbusinessbc.ca.

About CYBF
The Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF) is a national non-profit organization dedicated to growing our nation’s economy one young entrepreneur at a time. We look at character, not collateral, when providing youth aged 18-39 with pre-launch coaching, business resources, start-up financing and mentoring to help them launch and sustain successful businesses. CYBF has been recognized as a global leader in advancing youth entrepreneurship, is a founding member of the global G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance (G20 YEA), the Canadian member of the Prince’s Youth Business International, and the Canadian Host of Global Entrepreneurship Week (November 18-24, 2013). Visit www.cybf.ca.