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E3 Support Network

E3 offers the best available technical assistance for manufacturers across six federal agencies:

Federal Agencies USDA Better Plants Program Center for Corporate Climate Leadership EPA Dept. of Commerce Dept. of Labor Dept. of Energy Small Business Administration Green Suppliers Network Small Business Development Centers Manufacturing Extension Partnership Local Workforce Investment Boards

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Green Suppliers Network, a collaboration between EPA and the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program to assist manufacturers with lean and clean assessments, has evolved to include E3 in its stable of services.

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) houses the NIST MEP, which operates a network of 59 centers across the country with expertise in business growth and lean manufacturing.

The Department of Energy's (DOE's) Better Plants Program initiative provides access to industrial energy assessments, tools and training, new technologies, and numerous other resources and promotes industrial energy efficiency as a profitable business model. Industrial Assessment Centers (IACs), sponsored by DOE's Industrial Technologies Program, provide energy assessments.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides tailored counseling to small businesses through a national network of Small Business Development Centers and assists companies in implementing the recommended improvements through SBA loan programs.

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) actively supports the development of green jobs and green skills training through DOL's Employment and Training Administration, as well as workforce development grants and programs.

Through its Rural Development Program, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) promotes economic development by supporting financial and technical assistance to rural businesses, agriculture producers and cooperatives.

On October 20, 2010, EPA, DOC, DOE, SBA, and DOL signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) (PDF, 6 pp, 1.74 MB) to establish E3 and foster projects throughout the United States. In February 2012, USDA became a signatory to the E3 MOU.