The Duchesne County Area Chamber of Commerce is looking for new businesses that could benefit from the assistance of a newly established incubator program.
The program is designed to help new companies lower overhead costs by providing a facility and shared expenses for legal fees and office help."Basically it promotes an environment that is conducive to successful business," explained Irene Hansen, chamber director. "This includes many things but first of all just a building. In some cases that's a problem - to be able to finance a building. It also provides generally a savings over what that person could get on their own because it's provided collectively. Several businesses help share the debt."
Companies eligible to participate in the incubator program have access to desks, typewriters, computers, clerical help and in some cases clients.
Hansen points out the program isn't just for businesses in need of a home. It's also designed to help companies already in their own facilities.
"An incubator program doesn't service just inside the building. People who are outside the building who are opening their own business can receive help.
"The incubator director will be more than happy to come on their business site and help with problems, technical assistance or whatever's needed."
The incubator program is targeting light manufacturing, but all businesses will be considered, Hansen said.
"We won't take businesses in direct competition with other local businesses. So we're looking for export businesses." This type of business, Hansen said, will bring in outside money and provide well-paying jobs in the community.
Once an incubator business is past "the high risk stage and doing well" they will be asked to move out on their own.
"This is just an initial set-up. Generally they don't like to see businesses remaining in the incubator for more than three to five years."
Hansen is looking for a building in which to house the new program. "We don't want to start out too big and fail, but we don't want to underestimate our needs either."
The incubator program is made possible through a $30,000 Community Development Block Grant which must be reapplied for on a yearly basis.