About PiES

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PiES is a pilot project in Davidson, NC created provide a community-based green jobs incubator, business resource and education center. It's purpose is to assist communities in acheiving the "triple bottom line" of sustainability incorporating practices for long-term economic, environmental and social stability. A few supporting facts:


  • Green Jobs will play an integral part in the new economy.
  • According to a recent study by Grant Thornton for the EDA, Business Incubators are "the most cost effective means of creating jobs at the community level."

PiES is Built Upon Three Key Elements

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Key Element 1: Education ~ Leading by Example:

· PiES serves as an economic development model for downtown revitalization and community development

· PiES is an education and business resource center that provides local seminars on subject matters related to renewable energy, green business and sustainability. As an Energy Star Partner, we also encourage and assist property owners to perform energy audits and strive toward improved energy efficiency for both public and private downtown buildings

· PiES is the critical link that networks innovation, industry job creation, real estate and the community
 

Key Element 2: Incubation ~ Multi-stage business incubator

· PiES provides a strategy for multiple location entry points for start-up & early-stage member companies

· PiES accelerates the successful development of member companies with an array of targeted resources & services

· PiES provides low cost rental space & flexible leases with subsidies underwritten through public-private partnership grants

· PiES assists member companies in obtaining access to markets and funding necessary for company growth

 

Key Element 3: Economic Gardening

· Through affiliation with PiES, jobs take root, grow and stay in the community.

· Education in the local community helps residents & businesses connect & implement the triple bottom line elements of sustainability.

· PiES generates significantly greater impacts in the community than do other projects, by utilizing existing infrastructure & commercial buildings through renewal, revitalization and readaptive use.


PiES is a member of the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA), North Carolina Business Incubation Association (NCBIA) and the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE) Network. See BALLE Network for more information.