Incubator Open House set for Thursday
The Fredonia Technology Incubator will host an Open House on Thursday, Nov. 6 from 4 to 7 p.m. All business, campus and community members are invited to attend this event, which is free and open to the public. The open house will feature some of the current incubator businesses, university officials, and local economic development and business leaders. Tours of the building will be offered.
“This open house will provide an opportunity for the community to meet some of our entrepreneurs while also providing our business tenants the opportunity to meet with the public, including business and economic development leaders,“ said Interim Incubator Director Chuck Cornell. “The event will also provide information about our program and an opportunity to tour the facility.”
The incubator offers entrepreneurs access to a unique facility, business resources and technology expertise, as well as a range of highly qualified academic and business professionals and mentors. The 21,000-square-foot, two-story facility, located at 214 Central Ave. in downtown Dunkirk provides support and shared services to start-up companies, thereby increasing the odds of each company’s success — and the chances for economic growth in the region.
The incubator promotes economic growth in Western New York by supporting entrepreneurship and the development of new, innovative companies into successful business ventures. Since its founding in 2007 it has assisted 20 business start-ups, including six current companies, which have created over 60 area jobs. In addition, it supports the region by providing real-world internships and training for Fredonia students, attracting and retaining graduates for the area, providing a first-class facility for community activities, and providing support services to community organizations and leaders. It is also an economic development hub as a StartUP NY location and a member of the WNY Innovation Hot Spot consortium. It hosts the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) and Chautauqua County Planning and Economic Development Department Northern Chautauqua County offices.
The incubator is part of Fredonia’s Division of Engagement and Economic Development (EED), established in 2013 to facilitate and support university-community collaborations that enhance the intellectual, cultural, artistic and economic vibrancy of the region. Such collaborations include active community engagement and partnerships with local and regional organizations, governments, businesses and universities. In addition to the incubator, the division also oversees the university’s StartUp New York economic development program. The division is led by Vice President Kevin Kearns.
