Dartmouth University is playing a major role in attracting expanding companies to the state of New Hampshire, most notably through the Dartmouth Regional Technology Center (DRTC).

Located at Centerra Resource Park in Lebanon, DRTC is designed as a business incubator, where fledgling technology companies can receive the business development support and services they need during their infancy. Companies share common space, as well as basic office services and equipment, thereby lowering overhead. They also lease their space at market rates on a monthly basis, allowing them greater flexibility.

According to the National Business Incubation Association (NBIA), 87 percent of companies associated with an incubator are still in business after five years, compared with 25 percent that don’t have incubator support. Experience has also shown that “embedded” incubators — those that are associated with, or operating within, a research or technology-focused organization — are usually most successful in supporting the launch of a new business.

The impact of a successful incubator can be huge. According to NBIA, every 50 jobs created by an incubator generates about 25 more jobs in the same community; for every $1 of estimated public investment provided by the incubator, about $30 is generated in local tax revenue alone by clients and graduates; publicly supported incubators create jobs at a cost of $1,100 each, whereas other publicly supported job creation mechanisms cost more than $10,000 per job created; and 84 percent of companies that are incubator graduates stay and expand in the community.

DRTC is at 80 percent occupancy, and current tenants have a connection to Dartmouth.

Mascoma Corp. has patented a genetically engineered organism that can more efficiently produce ethanol for fuel than other methods. The technology is based on work conducted in the Dartmouth Engineering Department. Wellan Medical Solutions, a startup company that developed a stabilizer for an ultrasound probe, has connections to the Thayer School and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.

Future startups that take advantage of DRTC won’t just come from Dartmouth, but they will be able to benefit from the association with the college, said Gregg Fairbrothers, adjunct professor of business administration for Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business and director of the Dartmouth Entrepreneurial Network.

“All companies will have access to some Dartmouth facilities, as well as researchers, contract workers and other entrepreneurs who are spinning off companies based on college-based research,” he said.

Environmental Company Expands in New Hampshire

ENPRO Services Inc., based in Newburyport, Mass., has expanded to Pembroke where it has leased 10,000 square feet and hired nine employees.

ENPRO is an environmental service company that specializes in the remediation and management of oil and hazardous materials with clients throughout New England. Services include hazardous material transportation, 24-hour emergency response capabilities, a range of field services, environmental site assessments and construction services specifically tailored to petroleum/chemical distribution and storage tank systems.

The New Hampshire Business Resource Center played a crucial role in ENPRO’s decision to site the facility in the Granite State, according to the company.

“Throughout the expansion process, [the Business Resource Center] was instrumental, from locating the right building to coordinating state incentive programs,” said Deborah Fleming, business manager for ENPRO. “We look forward to growing in New Hampshire.”