The seed was planted for the Building Tree shortly after Paula Kiss arrived in Nelson and began looking for work in the ‘green building’ industry.  She found many local, independent builders, contractors and designers but instead of getting her dream job, she was inspired to create a business to address their many needs… a source for materials and a place that could link them to each other and to the green building market.   She began working on the idea in March of 2007 and a year later, Building Tree opened in downtown Nelson.

The Building Tree has 3 main functions:
•    To Source and supply better construction and finishing products for builders and renovators (things that are not currently understood or locally available).
•    Facilitate the growth of local, independent green businesses by hosting them in an inspiring shared office space– a place for small businesses to work smarter and more professionally while sharing costs.
•    Promote and host local green businesses in the storefront and office, encouraging more sustainable growth in our communities.  
Product sales have been the main income generator but Paula intends to increase aspects of consulting and facilitation in order to connect the many locally available green businesses to the people looking for their services.   

“It’s starting to catch on and build momentum” says Paula.  “I’m getting more inquiries from people who want to rent an office here or establish a link with our network.  I’m also getting increasing support from home-owners who are happy to see this resource so close to home.”

The center is open on weekdays and attracts lots of interest.  The first retail customers were home owners trying to renovate more responsibly.  Now, contractors are taking interest as their clients demand more eco-options.  As people discover and support the business it becomes more efficient as a supply and resource center.  Shipping costs are reduced and distributors offer better prices.
“The challenge is getting the first order, the first shipment, then things get smoother and relationships are built.  It’s a struggle for home-owners to track this stuff down independently – I like being able to make it easier for them”

The first takers on the shared office and networking front were young people in start-up phase.  These new business owners could recognize that downtown office space providing exposure, credibility and business support are keys to competitive success.    
“More tenants means more energy and more networking – its fun and encourages me to keep going”, says Paula of the working hub.  “It’s like an incubator for new business, but I’m also getting interest from people that have been in business for ages and are now looking to get out of isolation or an alternative from the status quo.”

The business model is about building momentum and sharing resources, collaboration of expertise… spreading understanding and appreciation for green building techniques.  The more it builds and grows the more the Building Tree can offer in terms of goods, services and connections.