Environmental Progress - Spring 1998

Small Business Outreach Program Enters Second Stage

Emphasis now will be on participation through local partnerships.

Clean Break, the Illinois EPA’s innovative outreach and amnesty program for small business, has entered its second stage. Starting Jan. 1, greater leadership will be assumed by business and trade associations. The program was launched statewide by Gov. Jim Edgar in January 1997, to counter the traditional fear of government that makes many small business owners wary of seeking help with potential regulatory problems. The program has since been used as a model by other states developing outreach efforts for environmental compliance and pollution prevention.

During 1997, 404 small businesses joined Clean Break, with 105 signing up during the final month of December. Dry-cleaning establishments made up the majority of the firms participating.

The statewide program followed successful pilot programs in the Rockford regional area in 1995 and a statewide effort limited to printing and automotive shops in 1996. During the 1996 pilot, there were 278 participants, and 105 during the Rockford area pilot. The Illinois EPA has operated the program with assistance from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Development.

"The Clean Break program has been invaluable to small businesses across Illinois as it has helped them meet increasingly complex environmental protection rules in an affordable manner," Governor Edgar said.

"Because of innovative programs like Clean Break, Illinois’ air, soil, and water are cleaner than they were even a decade ago, and businesses throughout Illinois are stepping forward to help ensure the quality of our environment for generations to come," the governor added.

"Nearly 800 small businesses in Illinois have been assisted by Clean Break. Those are 800 success stories for a cleaner and healthier environment and in many cases they have also reduced costs for the participating firms. But now is the time for this program to evolve into a new phase with individual business associations and organizations taking responsibility for marketing and promotion," said Illinois EPA Director Mary Gade.

Gade announced the North Business and Industrial Council (NORBIC) in Chicago will be the first sponsor to step forward for the new phase of Clean Break. "NORBIC’s Environmental Technologies Program makes it a leader among regional business associations in our state and we appreciate its continued commitment to Clean Break," Gade said.

Other sponsors are being recruited across the state among trade associations, economic development groups, chambers of commerce, and other business organizations.

The organizations will be asked to present a three to four month plan for managing the marketing and enrollment of new clients. Illinois EPA staff will continue to perform all the Clean Break visits and provide environmental assistance.

Small business owners participating in Clean Break have saved more than $1 million in waived penalties on violations identified under the amnesty provisions.

In addition, both the environment and small businesses have benefitted from the program.