Sustainable Business
College of the Atlantic
How can you turn purpose into real-world solutions?
Sustainable Business at COA prepares students across the curriculum to plan and start enterprises that create change. Students have built schools, farms, a biofuel company, an advocacy group, a community development organization, a high growth sustainable company, art businesses, a film company, renewable energy ventures, a bike taxi company, and a bakery.
If you are seeking to remake the world, the sustainable business area gives you the tools and experiences you need to increase your impact. Our classes cover both for-profit and non-profit enterprises and prepare you to work at scales ranging from the local farms, restaurants, arts organizations to the international—global development and advocacy organizations. Classes merge thought and action to address issues confronting organizations, businesses, and sustainable entrepreneurs of all backgrounds.
There are a range of courses in sustainable business to give you the skills you need. You’ll learn how to handle the essential aspects of any enterprise in Business and Non-Profit Basics. In Sustainable Strategies you’ll understand the impacts of business on society and the challenges and opportunities associated with creating a socially responsible business. In Launching a New Venture you’ll learn how to shape an idea into an opportunity and plan a sustainable enterprise.
Don’t just dream it. Make it happen.
But it doesn’t stop with just planning. You can start your own enterprise through the Diana Davis Spencer Hatchery. Successful applicants to the Hatchery receive support and up to $5,000 in seed funding to bring their creations into existence.
Faculty
Sharpe-McNally Chair of Green and Socially Responsible Business
Staff
Program Manager for Sustainable Business, Food Systems, and Academic Initiatives
Ready to build your own path?
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Student voices
COA Might be Right for You if…
…you are ready to have your life and identity flipped on its head and dunked in the ocean repeatedly.
Jonna Lynn Nielsen ’27
…you don’t know what you want to study because you have far too many interests to just focus in on one of them.
Wilson Korneev ’28
…you want to be in a small community where people will remember your name.
Alya Kiiashko ’25
…you have an open mind, enjoy small communities, and want a well-rounded (however unconventional) education experience.
Seth Sears ’28
…you want to meet politically, emotionally, and academically engaged people.
Alder Ame ’27
…you think being sent to the oceanside to improve your mental health actually sounds awesome (it totally is).
Carolina de Oliveira Castro ’26
…you are passionate about the natural world and want to study it and love spending time outside.
Conrad Kortemeier ’26
…you want to be surrounded and inspired by people who are excited about niche subjects, and by people who are still figuring out what they’re doing.
Marina Schnell ’25
…you can’t choose between the mountains and the sea.
Megan Maloney ’26
…you want freedom in your class structure.
Andie Piliouras ’26
…you want small, intentional community.
Conlan Lamb ’28
…you want to expand your perspective and knowledge of the world around you, and gain valuable connections from all around the world!
Trinket Lester ’28
…you question the answers to your questions, challenge the status quo, and seek tranquility in the heart of the spruce-fir forests.
Greta Bernier ’27
…you have the desire to choose your own path to a degree.
Béatrice St-Louis ’28