Cart by Cart, LLC manufactures and distributes reusable canvas bags to replace the paper and plastic bags used by consumers every day. The company came about because of Joan Burn’s belief that each of us, through the choices we make in our daily and weekly routines, can play a part in making a positive difference in the world. Using plastic and paper bags has an adverse effect on our environment; each year 100 billion plastic bags end up in landfills, where they take 500 to 1,000 years to decompose. Using reusable shopping bags is an easy and convenient way to become more responsible consumers.

Joan Burns started researching her business concept in early 2007. Part of her motivation for the business comes from early childhood lessons on cleaning up thoroughly after family camping trips, and her father’s philosophy that a plastic bottle or bag left in the woods would be there forever. During her research Joan found that some cities and states have adopted ordinances against the use of disposable shopping bags. Her goal is to make Iowa a leader in consumer use of reusable shopping bags; she wants this to become a habit for all Americans.

Joan was a teacher and high school administrator for the past 17 years. After starting her company in the summer of 2007 when school was out, she decided not to renew her teaching position, in order to devote more time and energy to her business. She came to the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for business counseling.

Joan discovered the University of Iowa Small Business Development Center while walking through the Old Capitol Mall. She stopped in to discuss her venture concept. She knew what she wanted to accomplish but she was not aware of all the tasks and risks between the start-up phase and becoming a successful business. Topics discussed with Regional Director Paul Heath included finding potential vendors for her bags, marketing, sales taxes, and accounting. Paul encouraged her to move ahead with the business and gave her knowledgeable, timely advice.

Joan took advantage of the Center’s individualized counseling, its FastTrac™ class for community entrepreneurs, and other Center workshops, such as tax classes co-sponsored by the Iowa Department of Revenue. Joan says the FastTrac™ class emphasized networking with other business persons and that she has followed this advice since taking the class. She regularly invites potential customers out for coffee, which has led to several major sales. She admits she has developed a much better understanding of what business is about now and her transition from education to business is working well.

The business did not need to borrow money. Joan and her husband decided they would set aside a fixed amount of funds for the start-up of the business that they would not exceed. Any additional funding would have to be generated from the profits of the business.

Joan says, “The Small Business Development Center is an invaluable resource for small business owners. They really listened to me speak about my goals and the questions I had. They provided support, advice and focus each step of the way. I will always be grateful for the assistance and programs they offer to entrepreneurs.”

Cart by Cart, LLC was incorporated on June 26, 2007. The company has sold thousands of canvas bags and has garnered much publicity. Sales continue to increase and the market has expanded from grocery and food stores to other areas such as canvas bags used as promotional items for companies.

The company now supplies 51 grocery stores in Iowa. This includes large chains like Hy-Vee and Fareway, as well as small stores like John’s Grocery in Iowa City. Several organizations are buying her bags for their members and to give out to conference attendees. Schools have used the bags as fundraisers, and libraries have also signed on to purchase her bags for use as book bags. New market opportunities for the canvas bags pop up weekly. New and different designs, including Iowa themed and environmentally friendly patterns, are continually offered. Joan hopes that by making the bags hip, more people will want to use them and reduce the burden on the environment.

Joan has developed a strong relationship with her major vendor. This summer she traveled to New Jersey to tour the factory of her major supplier and to explore additional marketing opportunities. One of her new acquisitions is a tradeshow display that she will use in four upcoming major tradeshows. During the start-up phase she had to reach out to make sales; now businesses are calling her, wanting to buy her bags. “It is a great sense of accomplishment the first time a customer calls you based on a word of mouth referral,” said Joan.

Cart by Cart was recognized by the Iowa Recycling Association in their October 2007 newsletter for its efforts in reducing litter and raising awareness about reusable shopping bags.