Boise opens small-business incubator Downtown | Idaho Economy | Idaho Statesman

Boise Mayor Dave Bieter and Boise State University President Bob Kustra cut a green ribbon Monday to open the Greenhouse, 520 W. Idaho St., a business incubator focused on supporting and advancing alternative energy and sustainable businesses.

The incubator is a city project in partnership with the Idaho Small Business Development Center at Boise State.

The three businesses already there are:

• Brown Box Organics, which works with farms and vendors to provide organic and local groceries year-round in the Treasure Valley. The Greenhouse will provide office space supplementing the business's distribution space at the 36th Street Garden Center complex. The company has three full-time and six part-time employees. For more information, go to www.BrownBoxOrganics.com.

• Home Tree, which offers services to make homes and businesses more sustainable. The services include energy audits, LEED-accredited construction and renewable-energy installation. Home Tree has three full-time employees. For more information, go to www.HomeTreeLLC.com.

• Viridis, which provides LED lighting solutions to commercial and government buildings and outdoor spaces. It has three full-time employees. For more information, go to viridislighting.com.

Businesses interested in applying for space in the Greenhouse should visit BoiseGreenhouse.com for an online application.

While all early-stage companies are eligible, preference will be given to companies focused on alternative or renewable energy, including solar, wind, geothermal, other energy sources, or on conservation

Successful incubator businesses are usually emerging companies with four or fewer employees that have progressed beyond the idea stage, with potential to grow quickly, organizers say.

The Greenhouse can hold six to eight companies, with six offices and six cubicle areas available. Staff support is provided by Idaho Small Business Development Center four hours a day, four days per week, with additional support as needed. Companies pay from $150 to $300 per month for rent, with telephone and Internet access included.

Bethann Stewart: 377-6393

Posted via email from Peace Jaway

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