Environmental Management Incubator
Most businesses are impacted by continually expanding environmental regulations and requirements. Corresponding environmental services and technologies are developing rapidly, and their use can enhance the ability of businesses to be competitive and financially successful. Unfortunately, the cost of obtaining relevant environmental information in a timely manner can be prohibitive for small and medium-sized organizations. While creating at least a short-range problem for many businesses, the increasing emphasis on the quality of the environment, including more stringent regulations, generates business opportunities for environmental management services and technology development.
In 1995, the Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded a grant to Marshall University's Center for Environmental, Geotechnical, and Applied Sciences (CEGAS), to help business and industry address environmental issues. Under this grant, CEGAS developed the Environmental Management Incubator, with the goal of enhancing the sustainability of regional businesses by providing effective access to environmental information and environmental management strategies and encouraging business development based on environmentally-related opportunities. Additional funding was provided by the EDA in October 1999 to sustain EMI operation and delivery of services. Goals of this grant include expanding EMI outreach to additional companies and business sectors and maximizing company benifits by providing follow-on support and guidance.