Business Incubators encourage and facilitate new business start-ups in troubled economy

With the government moving further and further away from the capitalist foundations of our country, Anniston’s business incubator, the Northeast Alabama Entrepreneurial Center, supports the real engine of this country’s economy and its largest job creator, small business. 

Business incubator programs provide entrepreneurs with a guiding hand to help them turn their ideas into viable businesses.  They provide client companies with business support services and resources tailored to young firms to help increase their chances of success.

William Burt, owner of tenant company Morris McKenzie Boat Works, has found the Center to be an ideal place to start his boat manufacturing company.  States Burt, “Locating at the Center has been a great first step for my business.  The staff is very helpful and knowledgeable.”

Located in Golden Springs, the Northeast Alabama Entrepreneurial Center first opened its doors eleven years ago in February of 1998.  Funding for the project was provided by the Economic Development Administration (EDA) in part to help diversify the economy and offset job loss after the closure of Ft. McClellan.  Although the federal government provided most of the funding for the construction of the Center, historically, 78% of the operating budget has come from the Center’s tenants.  Local municipalities contribute to the nonprofit organization to help make up the difference.

According to Dinah Adkins, President and CEO of the National Business Incubation Association, a 1,900 member organization representing incubation programs in 59 countries, “..business incubators are critical components of the nation’s entrepreneurial support infrastructure…It is vitally important that the nation leverage its existing investments in incubators to generate new jobs and innovations and to help individuals facing layoffs to start their own firms.”

Jennifer Williamon, Operations Manager of the Entrepreneurial Center, stated “What better time than now to be the master of your destiny and not have to wonder if your employer is going to scale back operations and lay you off”.  The limited staff of most incubators does mean referrals for those seeking information on starting a company to partner organizations.

For the Center, these include the Jacksonville State University Small Business Development Center, the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce, and the Service Corp of Retired Executives (SCORE) whose offices are now housed at the Entrepreneurial Center.

Having SCORE’s presence at the Entrepreneurial Center will provide convenience for those seeking information about starting a company and general business assistance.  After consulting with SCORE about their business plan, marketing, or any variety of business topics, those who are interested in office or manufacturing space can then apply with the Entrepreneurial Center to be a tenant.  “It’s fairly common for a SCORE chapter to locate its offices in an incubator.  We anticipate good synergy with this group, and we look forward to a strong year for start-ups in our region” states Elmer Wheatley, Deputy Director of the Entrepreneurial Center. 

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