Abstract

Small businesses face many challenges as they strive toward growth and profitability. Adding to this challenge is the demand for improved environmental performance. Pollution prevention is often the most cost effective way to improve environmental performance. Yet, small firms often lack the expertise they need to pursue pollution prevention opportunities. There are a number of state agencies in New York that provide assistance and funding to small businesses to implement pollution prevention strategies. They often work in collaboration with nonprofit organizations that provide on-site technical assistance and consultancy to small businesses. It is up to the small business management to decide whether they want to get involved in these programs. This thesis explores how the state grants are being used by small businesses to adopt pollution prevention practices and technologies, and what are the major criteria that influence small business management's decision to voluntarily participate in these state funded projects.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Environmental auditing--New York (State); Small business--New York (State)--Environmental aspects; Environmental policy--New York (State); Environmental protection--New York (State)

Publication Date

2004

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Science, Technology and Public Policy (MS)

Department, Program, or Center

Department of Science Technology and Society/Public Policy (CLA)

Advisor

Sandra Rothenberg

Advisor/Committee Member

James Winebrake

Advisor/Committee Member

Jim Gilbert

Comments

Physical copy available from RIT's Wallace Library at TD194.7 .K65 2004

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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