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Green Bed and Breakfast

Opening a Bed and Breakfast used to be as simple as adding some doilies to an upstairs bedroom and offering a continental breakfast in the morning. To have a green Bed and Breakfast however, there are a few more issues that have to be considered. Some of the same green ideas that you would employ in your own household are the best ways to make your bed and breakfast green.

Using organic bed linens, laundry and cleaning techniques and recycling everything possible are only a few of the ways that you can make your bed and breakfast business concept as eco-friendly as possible.

What Skills are needed?

People skills are a necessity for this type of business. Being able to live with strangers of varying manners, social skills and hygienic requirements are also necessary. Other skills that will be needed include: organization and time management skills, budgeting, cooking, cleaning and keeping a home/mini-hotel running like clockwork. You will be called upon to be maid, cook, bell boy, tour guide, activity director and other personnel as needs dictate. You will have to be calm in the face of new and challenging crises, and an emergency repair person from time to time as well.

What Training or Education do I need?

A degree in hospitality or hotel management is strongly suggested as is a business degree. Taking additional training in ecologic concerns is also a good idea.

What are the Start Up Costs (General)

The biggest financial outlay in a green Bed and Breakfast will be in the building itself. As with any other real estate purchase, all inspections and evaluations must be done as well as a full analysis of the financial health of the area in which you are thinking of locating. It is senseless to open a bed and breakfast in a town that has no other industries.

To get an idea of what type of costs are involved, let's assume that you are purchasing a home that costs $750,000 and that you will be taking out a mortgage or business loan at 7 percent interest. You will need to put down 20 percent-or $150,000-so you will be financing the balance of $600,000. In addition to the standard mortgage closing costs, you will need to set aside money for property taxes. For the sake of calculations, let's assume they are 1 percent of the property value, and let's also estimate another $10,000 annually for umbrella insurance.

Cost: $5,475 per month * $150,000 down PLUS
* Mortgage: $4,000
* Taxes: $625
* Insurance: $850
Furnishings and renovation costs (including electrical, plumbing, painting and landscaping) will cost $25,000 or more to get things up and running, assuming you're starting with a house in fantastic shape to begin with. You should also expect to spend at least $25,000 for supplies like mattresses, sheets, blankets, smoke detectors, road signs, promotion/advertising, new kitchen equipment, etc.

The Risks

Financially, opening any type of business in the service industry is a risk, especially during difficult economic times. If you do not have something unique that sets your business apart from other similar businesses you will quickly succumb to failure. If you can locate within the area of a beautiful view or popular attraction, you will do better.

What Can Make Your Business Greener than Others?

Paying careful attention to every single aspect of your business with an eye to making it green is very important. Every item that is brought in should be evaluated. Can you purchase this product from a local grower or producer? Can you buy something similar from a thrift store rather than buying new? Can you recycle this item when you are finished with it? Are you using eco-friendly products in every room of the business? Can you possibly do anymore?

Consider your cleaning products, your paper goods, your food preparation practices and your waste management. Do what you can and offset what you cannot.

Green Entrepreneurship Resources