Tri-Cities Tech Business Update
Incubator association dissolves as other organizations fill in
The Tri-Cities Enterprise Association, which provided incubator space, mentoring, and other services for new firms since 1987, is disbanding. Its 20-year federal grant from the city of Richland has ended, and during that time, other services in the Tri-Cities began providing similar services and facilities. The Columbia Regional Economic Development Trust, a nonprofit organization under the Benton Franklin Council of Governments, has applied for the right to administer the Small Business Administration micro-loan program that was formerly administered by TEA. Washington State University will purchase the former incubator building in the Horn Rapids area in Richland, Wash. to help meet WSU's regional growth needs. Two other TEA facilities in Richland and Kennewick were or are being sold.
Contact Gwen Luper at (509) 943-9185.
