It’s a big leap for any new enterprise: going from a home-based business to a bricks-and-mortar storefront.
One of the biggest barriers is the cost of finding suitable space.
That’s one reason why Nottawasaga Futures has launched a new small business incubator program.
Targeting new startups and home-based businesses that want to “move to a more official space,” Nottawasaga Futures can now provide free office space, a wireless network, and supplies for an approved business, plus all of the resources and consulting support regularly available through Nottawasaga Futures’ Business Excellence Resource Centre, said co-ordinator Martin Kuzma.
Participating businesses sign up for the two-year incubator program, receiving free office space, supplies and services. For the first year, they are on the receiving end of the support. During the second year, they act as a mentor for the next business to enter the program.
“The idea is that the incubator will be like a bridge,” Kuzma said.
There has been quite a bit of interest in the program, which is open to any business in South Simcoe – but for Bradford West Gwillimbury businesses, Kuzma admitted that there is a problem: the incubator space is in Alliston, located at Nottawasaga Futures’ offices at 39 Victoria St. E.
Kuzma suggested it could still work for businesses based in Barrie or Bradford, providing an opportunity to build a new enterprise financially and in terms of a broader clientele, before relocating. But he acknowledged that, in most cases, “once they realize it’s in Alliston, it’s not for them.”
“The Alliston incubator is a bit of a pilot project,” said Colleen Gouldson, CEO of Nottawasaga Futures community development agency, noting that if it is successful, the organization would definitely be interested in a similar project in BWG.
“There are quite a few potential partners for something like this, but we have not locked down anything yet.”
Nottawasaga Futures does already offer services in Bradford. The organization provides business support, resources and free consultation with experts, and has co-located with the Bradford Board of Trade in the Treasury Building at 61 Holland St. E.
Consultants and staff are at the location on Wednesdays and Fridays, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or at other times, by appointment.
Nottawasaga Futures also offers succession planning through the new Business Transition Matching Program, a two-year pilot project funded by the County of Simcoe.
“Helping them transition, either selling a business or buying a business,” said Kuzma.
As well, it offers a Green Economy Centre, Business Excellence Resource Centre, and access to business loans of up to $250,000 to support business retention and expansion.
The agency supports youth entrepreneurship through a Summer Company partnership, and a South Simcoe Youth Business Plan Competition that this year will hold its Pitch Night in front of a panel of judges at the BWG Public Library.
“The winner gets $500 for their business plan,” said Kuzma, noting that the past two winners have been from Bradford West Gwillimbury.
Supporting entrepreneurship and small- to medium-sized businesses is the goal of Nottawasaga Futures community development. All of its programs, including seminars and workshops like the upcoming AgKnowledge Forum, are designed to promote a robust economy and healthy business environment to help established businesses and new startups alike become more destined to succeed.
For information on the small business incubator program, and other resources, contact Martin Kuzma at 1-800-509-7554 or [email protected].
