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Epoch Rain Barrels and NCGrowth Examine Business Growth Barrier

Epoch Rain Barrels (ERB) is a company dedicated to collecting and conserving rainwater to nourish sustainable gardens and help make our world a better place. Epoch is an environmentally-friendly, ethically and socially conscious company providing products that support a more “People-Friendly, Earth-Friendly” lifestyle. Specifically, ERB manufactures upcycled rain barrels, available in two sizes and styles, by repurposing high-quality food-grade container drums, previously destined for the landfill. ERB leverages lean manufacturing processes to reduce environmental waste and works alongside nonprofit organizations to employ individuals with physical and/or mental disabilities, helping them maximize their independence, earning potential, and social skills.
Epoch Rain Barrels engaged NCGrowth and the E-TAP initiative to assist the company with addressing three business issues preventing future growth for the company and subsequently the communities and social good for which it operates. These issues, in order of priority, were prohibitive shipping/distribution costs, limited marketing reach and untapped potential for new/expanded partnerships, and unexplored potential for expanded product offerings.
The project sought to address these issues in order of priority to facilitate future business growth for Epoch Rain Barrels. In order to fulfill this goal, NCGrowth conducted detailed research and outreach into shipping options, competitor approaches and potential partnerships that could help alleviate these obstacles to business growth. The project resulted in concrete next steps for ERB to take in order to tackle these challenges and grow as a business in order to expand their positive social and environmental impact in the community.

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