Working With Nature: Supporting The Sustainable Use Of Natural Resources

At the Fund, we believe that protecting the outdoors requires more than just saving land. While safeguarding land is crucial, conservation should also be about supporting the responsible use of natural resources.

That's why we offer financial assistance to small green businesses through our Natural Capital Investment Fund. By supporting companies that offer environmentally sustainable products we're making sure there are ways to "go green" today and in the future. 

One of the businesses NCIF has helped is North Carolina's FLS Energy. The company designs and installs solar hot water heating and electrical systems for residential and commercial customers. FLS Energy's products and services provide families and businesses with concrete strategies to reduce their consumption of electricity and fossil fuels.

NCIF and FLS Energy

General contractor Dale Freudenberger, building designer Hardy LeGwin and engineer Michael Shore came up with the idea for FLS Energy in 2005 on the rooftop of their kids’ school, where all three were volunteering on a construction project. They set up their first office in the boiler room of a former factory. With a dirt floor and a piece of plywood to plan on, they set out “to make solar energy mainstream, sooner rather than later.”

But they needed capital. That's when NCIF stepped in to help them with the financing to expand and hire staff —long before a commercial bank would have supported them.  

The Results

Thanks in part to NCIF's loan, FLS Energy now has 80 employees and anticipates sales of more than $40 million in 2011. The Durham-based Council for Entrepreneurial Development just named the company a “North Carolina Business to Watch” and FLS is about to win national recognition for its fast-growing success from a national business magazine. Not bad for a small green business!

On top of its corporate growth, FLS Energy has invigorated the economy of western North Carolina, as its new employees buy homes and start families.

We're proud that NCIF is able to support entreprenuers who are committed to the sustainable use of natural resources. With help from supporters like you, we're able to offer resources to the people who are working to make our country greener.

When you support us you're supporting smart conservation solutions that benefit the land, and our communities—today and in the future.