Support for Local Small Businesses in Northeastern Wyoming

The history of American economic success is filled with stories of innovators like Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Steve Jobs, building on brilliant ideas to start small businesses that resolve local problems or market concerns. Today, entrepreneurism is essential to communities nationwide, making up 99% of the small businesses that employ Americans and nearly 40% of the private sector payroll. 

This holiday season, Powder River Energy Corporation (PRECorp) asks the residents of northeastern Wyoming to join it in supporting the region’s small businesses for their dedication to fostering the quality of life desired by all within.

Resources assisting small businesses and entrepreneurs

Small businesses fulfill local market needs and create employment opportunities, but they need much assistance along their developmental path. Providing these individuals and entities with much-needed support is critical to their ongoing success. PRECorp would like to spotlight the resources available to help entrepreneurs get their start with connections and educational opportunities in northeastern Wyoming. 

Area 59

The Gillette College Center for Innovation & Fabrication is home to Area 59, a makerspace where persons of all ages can collaborate on projects, primarily in computing and technology. Individuals can advance their personal or business needs through monthly memberships or programs like MakerClasses, where they can learn unique skills like building 3D printers. Veterans can use the facilities for free, and youth can participate in robotics competitions, along with opportunities for many others that exist as well.

Fuel Business Incubator

Gillette is home to the Fuel Business Incubator in the Energy Capital Economic Development Enterprise Center. New businesses and entrepreneurs can access high-speed wireless internet, shared workspaces, mentoring, business counseling and more. The Enterprise Center is a hub for numerous initiatives, tenants and programs, all aiming to diversify and expand the local economy by focusing on industries that can bring new investment into the region. 

Wyoming Integrated Test Center

For those ready to expand beyond the small business realm, the Wyoming Integrated Test Center (ITC) is a space for researchers to test alternative carbon capture technologies. Facilitated by public and private entities with the goal of developing commercial processes, the ITC gives enterprising individuals the opportunity to advance beyond the laboratory setting to commercial operation feasibility. Individual test bays have access to resources necessary for research, such as flue gas fed directly from Basin Electric Power Cooperative’s coal-fired Dry Fork Station power plant, water, electricity, equipment and more. 

Impact 307

Wyoming manages a network of incubators, Impact 307, to assist entrepreneurs with the resources and support needed to make their business goals a reality. Advisors exist at several locations in northeastern Wyoming to help refine business concepts and streamline the path to success. The organization runs annual Start-Up Challenges, where local entrepreneurs can showcase their ideas and receive coaching, feedback, and support from regional experts. Search the numerous entrepreneurial resources that best fit your needs. 

Wyoming Innovation Partnership

The statewide effort behind the Wyoming Innovation Partnership involves the University of Wyoming, the state’s community colleges, the Wyoming Business Council, and the Department of Workforce Services to support and enhance Wyoming’s economic growth. Entrepreneurs receive support and training to facilitate new business starts or help their business ideas succeed and expand.

Wyoming Small Business Development Center Network

Northeastern Wyoming's entrepreneurs have an incredible resource to help promote startups and existing businesses with the Wyoming Small Business Development Center Network (SBDC). Beyond individual assistance, the SBDC’s Gillette Office offers training events for those in Campbell, Crook, Johnson, Sheridan and Weston counties, with P.J. Burns available for help at (307) 682-5232.

Wyoming Business Council 

Wyoming is a state with untapped natural and human resources. The Wyoming Business Council is the state’s economic development agency, offering training, financial education, assistance and much more to build resilient communities and create opportunities for people to thrive. Its programs and services are tailored to businesses and ideas at multiple points along the business progression path, from startups to business expansion needs. 

Make your way in northeastern Wyoming

Northeastern Wyoming is a region with a long history of economic success and technological innovation. PRECorp is proud to collaborate with the continued efforts of local companies and individuals to drive the regional economy forward. Please contact us for ways we can continue to provide excellent service.