Sustainable Community Initiatives is the creator of a unique program called Community Forklift, LLC (Click on logo to link to Community Forklift site) Community Forklift is a recovered building materials store that will:
Tap into a vast untapped market of small contractors, home renovation companies, craft workshops, property managers, and do-it-yourself homeowners in the Washington Metro Area who are eager to buy quality construction materials for up to half the price of equivalent virgin materials.
Replicate the amazing growth and success of dozens of similar ventures from San Francisco to Chattanooga to Baltimore.
Provide a highly retail-friendly and sophisticated shopping environment.
Capitalize upon the tax advantages of being a for-profit LLC operated as a wholly-owned subsidiary of an established not-for-profit organization - thereby able to secure both public and private capital, material donations, and a variety of tax credits.
Help develop an industry that elsewhere has been shown to hasten the revitalization of undercapitalized neighborhoods.
Implement a business plan that has received recognition from the Partnership on Non-Profit Ventures in a national business plan competition.
Utilize existing networks of supportive salvage and surplus businesses and agencies within the Mid-Atlantic region.
Repay start-up loans at or above market interest-rates.
Train and employ dozens of hard to place local workers.
Provide a consignment outlet for existing salvage and deconstruction businesses.
Provide tax deductions for donations of materials that businesses and home-owners would otherwise need to dispose of at significant cost.
Be directed by a committed Board of Directors and advised by a business-savvy Board of Advisors.
Contribute to the reduction of municipal solid waste disposal needs.
Eventually serve as an incubator of construction trades start-ups, re-manufacturing businesses, and community arts activities.
