Business Assistance Providers

Energy Efficiency

Organization NameDescription
Minnesota Department of Commerce Energy Information CenterRecommends options for lighting, electric use, hot water, refrigeration and other energy conservation measures.
Center for Energy and the Environment (CEE)CEE offers energy, environmental and building rehabilitation services designed to improve the lives of business owners, homeowners, and tenants.

Environmental Information

Organization NameDescription
Bridges=Minnesota’s Environmental Information SearchDeveloped with the collaboration of Minnesota state government environmental agencies to provide access to environmental information in electronic format.
Environmental Health Sciences University of MinnesotaThe University of Minnesota’s center for environmental health science research. MnTAP is part of this division at the University.
Greenbiz.comDescribed as “The Resource Center on Business, the Environment, and the Bottom Line.” Produced by the non-profit Green Business Network, it offers a wide range of news and free resources.
Institute for Local Self Reliance (ILSR)ILSR is a non-profit research and educational organization that provides technical assistance and information on environmentally sound economic development strategies.
SEEK = Sharing Environmental Education KnowledgeElectronic library of environmental education resources.

Job Growth

Organization NameDescription
Minnesota Dept of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)Works to create jobs, focusing on small and medium-sized businesses. Administers grant and loan programs to assist businesses with start-up or expansion costs.
Small Business Development CentersProvide business planning assistance to small businesses around the state. Eight regional and 14 sub-center offices.

Manufacturing

Organization NameDescription
Manufacturers AllianceProvides peer-to-peer training, education, and resources which allow Minnesota-based manufacturers to continuously grow, improve and stay competitive.
Enterprise MinnesotaEnterprise Minnesota helps small and mid sized manufacturers develop and implement strategies to grow business including Lean manufacturing processes.

Pollution Prevention

Organization NameDescription
Minnesota RETAPProvides technical assistance from retired engineers, scientists, and managers. RETAP focuses on the non-manufacturing commercial and service sectors.
Small Business Environmental Assistance ProgramA nonregulatory unit at the MPCA that helps small businesses prepare permit applications and comply with federal and state regulations.
Enviro$en$eElectronic library of regulatory data and educational information related to P2 technical assistance, federal facilities environmental compliance and enforcement, training opportunities and funding information.
National Pollution Prevention RoundtableNPPR is the largest membership organization in the United States devoted solely to pollution prevention (P2). NPPR provides a global forum for promoting the development, implementation, and evaluation of efforts to avoid eliminate or reduce pollution at the source.
ChemAllianceA free pollution prevention and compliance assistance resource developed for and by the Chemical Process Industries.
Pollution Prevention Resource Exchange (P2Rx)P2Rx™ is a national network of regional centers dedicated to improving the dissemination of pollution prevention information in the service provider community.
Great Lakes Regional Pollution Prevention RoundtableGLRPPR is a professional organization dedicated to promoting information exchange and networking to P2 professionals in the U.S. states bordering the Great Lakes and Ontario, Canada.

Safety

Organization NameDescription
Workplace Safety ConsultationAssists employers with identifying and correcting health and safety hazards, through on-site consultations followed by comprehensive written reports with findings and recommendations.

Shipping

Organization NameDescription
Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) Commercial Vehicle Operations UnitProvides training and information on DOT hazardous materials shipping requirements, including: containers, describing and documenting waste, and labeling. Registers transporters and shippers of hazardous materials and hazardous waste.

Waste Reduction

Organization NameDescription
Minnesota Waste Wise FoundationWorks to increase waste prevention and recycling among businesses, non-profit and government organizations. A voluntary program affiliated with the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.