Rapid Weather offers a service to entrepeneurs with its Business Incubator Project

Rapid Weather has expanded it services to assist the growth of meteorology consulting services. Rapid Weather's Business Incubation Project will give entrepreneurs access to a full suite of data, personnel services and office space for start-ups and growth.

Rapid Weather and the Meteorology Training Center have expanded their services to entrepreneurs with its Business Incubation Project. A start-up or growing a business requires as little overhead as possible and now Rapid Weather is making data and personnel services for emerging weather-related businesses affordable. Office space, data, PCs, office equipment, broadband Internet, and 24-hour support staff are just some of the services to which entrepreneurs have access.

The private weather industry is growing as commodity traders, energy companies, the transportation industry, construction companies, agriculture, and air and water pollution interests demand detailed weather information. Private meteorologists, as opposed to government or university meteorologists, provide a value-added service to many industries and they have been doing so since the 1930s. There are well over 200 businesses that provide private weather services in the United States. However, because they are service providers it is often difficult for entrepreneur-meteorologists to obtaining funding for start-ups.

Rapid City's central location is ideal for entrepreneurs who need to travel frequently. Video conferencing facilities are nearby for sales and investment presentations. Rapid Weather's access to worldwide weather information makes it easy for a business to start or grow in Rapid City, then relocate close to the company's customer base. South Dakota's business climate - no corporate tax and no personal income tax - is ideal for a business to flourish. In addition, the Institute of Atmospheric Sciences at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is just a mile away from Rapid Weather's main office.

Businesses wishing to take advantage of Rapid Weather's Business Incubation Project must make at least a six-month commitment to use its facilities. The average cost to an entrepreneur is $1,200 a month which includes data, office space, office support services, basic office equipment and some personnel. The Business Incubation Project is available to meteorologists with interests in weather forecasting, forensic meteorology, research, broadcast, or other endeavors. Rapid Weather does not take a financial interest in any business utilizing the Business Incubation Project.

Rapid Weather operates the Meteorology Training Center, providing on-going training to operational meteorologists and new-hire training for students, as well as personnel and productivity solutions for consulting meteorologists. Rapid Weather and more information about the Business Incubation Project can be found online at www.rapidwx.com.