Support For Tech Firms

Small businesses can take advantage of a new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) program that offers incentives to companies that voluntarily identify and report their own violations.

There are two ways for firms with 100 or fewer employees to take advantage of the Policy on Compliance Incentives for Small Businesses. First, they can get an on-site assessment from a compliance assistance provider and, if any violations are discovered, can qualify for incentives such as reduced or eliminated penalties. Second, business owners can conduct their own evaluations by hiring a consultant or with the self-help audit guides available from the EPA.

Businesses won't qualify for the incentives if they have violations involving criminal conduct or problems that harm the environment, involve public health or safety, or present imminent and substantial danger.

To read a copy of the policy, visit http://es.epa.gov/oeca/smbusi.html For further information, contact your state's Small Business Assistance Program.

This article was originally published in the November 1998 print edition of Entrepreneur with the headline: Support For Tech Firms.