Editor's note: The Free Press features a local business each week that has used the services of Grand Junction's Business Incubator Center. During the recession, the Incubator has seen an increase in people seeking to start their own business.

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — During his 22 years working as an environmental consultant, Ed Baltzer's clients have included hospitals, brew pubs, automobile race tracks, gravel quarries, the Colorado Department of Transportation, and the oil and gas industry — practically any type of organization governed by environmental regulations.

Baltzer samples soil, water and air for contaminants, and prepares reports on contaminants, or writes plans on how to operate in compliance with regulations. He negotiates with regulators.

His business — Avant Environmental Services, Inc. — also helps developers, buyers and sellers of properties determine whether land is contaminated.

Baltzer worked 20 years for Walsh Environmental and founded its Grand Junction office 18 years ago, managing it for 16.

He is a certified hazardous materials manager, a certified and registered professional geologist, and is also certified in asbestos inspection and project design.

When Baltzer decided to go out on his own last summer he contacted the Business Incubator Center for advice on starting a business.

Baltzer enrolled in the Incubator's Leading Edge class, a 12-week intensive training program that provides instruction regarding cash flow management, marketing, finance, personnel, legal issues and help with preparing a business plan.

“I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to start a business. It does not matter what kind of business,” Baltzer said.

After finishing the Leading Edge class Baltzer sought the Incubator's free counseling and low-cost business classes.

“They're fantastic people, very energetic and enthusiastic,” Baltzer said. “They obviously enjoy what they do and they do it well.”

The Incubator is an “incredible asset to the business community.”

When Baltzer experienced problems with his website he consulted Mariah Zerbe of the Incubator's technology team.

“In an hour's time we smoothed out a lot of bugs,” Baltzer said.

The Incubator also helped Baltzer develop his business plan and work out his non-compete agreement with Walsh Environmental — an agreement in effect until February.

The agreement says he can't contact potential clients directly, although customers may contact him. Thus, he's growing his business gradually, by word-of-mouth.

“It gives me a chance to very carefully lay a very solid foundation,” Baltzer said. “I can't solicit business but people are free to call me.”

Baltzer can be reached at 260-8468, or 243-4461, or visit his website avantenvironmental.org. His office is at 120 Mesa Grande Drive in Grand Junction.