KUSA - Starting a business is no easy task, but with the help of "business incubators," many entrepreneurs are getting the help they need to jump over the hurdle.
The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment received a federal grant to train "green entrepreneurs" - which has been dubbed "business incubation." The Labor Department program is called the Energy Sector Entrepreneurial Pilot Project.
Green entrepreneurs are individuals who have ideas energy-saving products and services, better known as renewable resources.
The program is providing scholarships to at least 30 entrepreneurs to start their businesses. For more information contact Carol.Craig@state.co.us
"We've looked at already 170 businesses over the last two-and-a-half to three years. They come out of the universities, National Renewable Energy Lab, and they come out of your neighbor's basement or garage," Vice Chair of the Colorado Business Incubator Association Stephen Miller said.
Business incubators are among the features of Workforce Development month. In September Workforce Centers throughout the state will be offering special activities and events for job seekers and employers. To find a Workforce Center near you, go to www.Colorado.gov/CDLE.
Miller will be going to Boston with Governor John Hickenlooper and Denver Mayor Michael Hancock for the 22nd annual Leadership Exchange Trip. Many other local business leaders will be joining them in Boston to compare and contrast differences between Denver and Boston.
"One of the things we have in common is a strong emphasis on education, and a leading place in the U.S. economy in clean-tech and renewable resources, "Miller said.
National Renewable Energy Labs, Colorado Banking, Colorado Credit Unions, Small Business Development Centers, business incubators, Colorado State University, the University of Colorado, the Governor's Energy Office and the Clean Tech Open are involved in teaching the training process. Successful competition of the incubator program increases the likelihood that a start-up will avoid most of the hurdles associated with launching a company. Stats show that 87 percent of the companies involved in the program stay in business long term. In addition to using the incubators, a contract with the Small Business Development Centers was issued.
Leonardo Wolfson contributed to this report.
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