Renewable energy incubator operating

ST. GEORGE — Utah's first business incubator focused on renewable energy has begun operations at University Plaza, near the campus of Dixie State College.

A collaborative effort spearheaded by the Utah Science Technology and Research initiative, the Southern Utah Information Technology and Renewable Energy Incubator is designed to help Utah join several other states and cities investing in the start-up of new businesses focused on green technology and alternative energy.

The incubator's first tenant is information technology company Truescale Technologies, a "cloud computing" start-up. The company started with two employees and is adding three more.

Tenants will rent space at approximately market rates, but get many free benefits, including business mentoring from successful executives, use of conference rooms and classrooms and free high-speed Internet.

The incubator is a collaborative effort of USTAR, the Dixie Business Alliance, the Small Business Development Center, SEED Dixie, Washington County Economic Development, Dixie State College and Dixie Applied Technology College.