Big things sometimes come in small packages. That’s the message we gleaned from a recent study by an independent pair of consultants who say Adams County is fertile ground in which to plant a new small business incubator.

The study, by Stacey and Associates of Mobile, Ala., concluded that Adams County was &uot;the only county&uot; in Southwest Mississippi capable of sustaining such a venture alone.

A business incubator, in case the phrase is unfamiliar, is simply a facility used by a variety of small businesses. The idea is that since all the businesses are under the same roof, the expenses remain low, allowing fledgling enterprises to get off the ground.

Alcorn State University hired the consultants to perform the study and potentially would be integral in getting the facility off the ground.

Although it’s still in the early stages, we think it’s a great idea and one that city and county leaders should rush to support.

Too often when people think of economic development, only images of huge, &uot;smokestack&uot; industries come to mind.

We’d be just as happy, if not more so, if a business incubator could bring several small, blossoming companies into Natchez and Adams County.

In today’s high technology, global world, smokestacks may not need to be our chief focus. We’d love it if the next Microsoft, WorldCom or Netscape got its start in Southwest Mississippi.

And our entire area stands to benefit.

Let’s make sure our community doesn’t miss this potential &uot;win-win.&uot;