Cal Poly SBDC

This Coffee & Conversation event features keynote speaker Nia James Starr, Sustainability Coordinator with the Environmental Center of San Luis Obispo (EcoSLO). EcoSLO organizes our community to protect San Luis Obispo County’s environment, engaging residents through impactful programs like the Green Business Program, Urban Tree Planting, and Creeks to Coast Cleanups. At this event, Nia will share insights into the SLO County Green Business Program—part of the statewide California Green Business Network—which provides free resources and technical assistance to help businesses reduce costs and environmental impact. In 2025 alone, local Green Businesses collectively prevented over 3.27 million pounds of CO2 emissions, saved nearly 3.82 million kWh of energy, reduced more than 822,000 pounds of waste, and conserved over 1.07 million gallons of water. Nia brings a unique blend of creativity and environmental expertise to her role. After spending 15 years in New York City, she relocated to the Central Coast to pursue her passion for sustainability. She holds a Master of Science in Sustainable Environmental Systems from Pratt Institute and previously worked for nearly a decade as a visual designer, using storytelling to connect people with ideas. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn how local businesses can lead the way […]