A Gainesville, Fla., consulting firm is expected to sign a contract today to explore the feasibility of a business incubator in Casper.

Business incubators help fledgling businesses get off the ground by providing a variety of resources and services.

LPA Associates will be paid about $26,000 to determine what, if any, type of business incubator would be a good fit for Casper.

Cost of the study will be shared among Casper College, the Casper Area Economic Development Alliance (CAEDA) and the Economic Development Joint Powers Board.

"We thought the best first step was to do a feasibility study because there are a lot of questions," CAEDA President and CEO Robert Barnes said.

"We're not going to direct the study, we're going to let the study direct us," he said.

The National Business Incubation Association indicates resources for new businesses usually are offered by the incubator itself and through a network of contacts.

The University of Wyoming has a business incubator in Laramie, and Barnes said officials there have been supportive of Casper's effort.

Laura Driscoll, dean of continuing education and community partnerships at Casper College, said business incubators frequently are associated with colleges and universities, which can provide training and advice.

"We all talk about diversifying the economy," she said. "This is one way of doing that."

Barnes said a target industry analysis like one CAEDA has undertaken and a business incubator can be valuable tools in economic diversification.

"We're trying to get a little bit more strategic look at economic development, not just attracting all new investment from outside but maybe help in some local startups," he said.

The feasibility study is expected to be completed in the spring.

Business Editor Tom Mast can be reached at tom.mast@casperstartribune.net, or call 307-266-0574.