Business incubators can help fledgling firms get off the ground by providing business services and rental space, at below-market costs, for a business's first few years. The payoff for the community is more jobs. Concentrated until recently in urban areas, incubators are now succeeding in rural areas too. (JHZ)

Economic development grants have had a significant impact on the economy of Illinois and have been an excellent investment for the state. Reports submitted by the state's community colleges indicate that they assisted nearly 5,700 newly established and existing businesses and industries during fiscal year (FY) 1988. The cornerstone of the…

This self-employment training program case study booklet has been developed for general use in exploring the feasibility of this kind of development tool. The case studies describe a number of comprehensive, self-employment training and assistance programs, from the local to the national level. Chapter II includes information on the training plan,…