 The Center of Success is a business incubator that fosters the
growth of new business. This incubator concept allows startup
companies to reduce costs through a three-year rent-reduction
program. Applicants for the program will qualify by going through
the SCORE process, which includes the development of a business plan
and budget. (See SCORE information at end of
article.) By having locations spread throughout Logan County, this
program will be able to accommodate a variety of space requirements
ranging from hi-tech to manufacturing.
Facilities available through the program range from a warehouse
with square footage starting at 100,000 feet, to storefronts in
Logan County's beautiful downtown districts, and office space that
may include some shared copiers, fax and high-speed Internet to
further reduce expenses.
With the U.S. Small Business Administration citing alarming
statistics such as small business startups failing at a 70 percent
rate within the first five years, The Center of Success' three-year
program gives entrepreneurs an extra advantage to help overcome
these odds. In addition to reduced startup costs, the program
provides education, ongoing support and professional business
advising at no charge to participants.
With unemployment rates over 9 percent in Logan County, new jobs
are crucial. The Center of Success will not only create an
environment for success, but will help Logan County compete with
neighboring counties that already have incubators in place. To help
lower the unemployment numbers in our community, the development
partnership will target businesses with an emphasis in
manufacturing, assembly, hi-tech, warehouse and distribution, and
business services. The goal is to create a minimum of 100 jobs
annually.
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The Center of Success is open to any entrepreneur with an idea for a
business and willingness to put in the work and the time to make his
or her dream come true.
The Center of Success Steering Committee -- consisting of Sonnie
Alexander, Nathan Turner, Tom Akers, Mayor Keith Snyder, Rick Hamm,
Richard Sumrall, Patrick Doolin, Andi Hake and Joel Smiley -- has
been meeting since April 2008 to put together plans for this
program. The program itself will be administered by the Lincoln &
Logan County Development Partnership and will also have a panel of
volunteer advisers.
If you are thinking about starting a business, please contact
Joel Smiley, executive director at the development partnership, at
217-732-8739.
___
SCORE,
"Counselors to America's Small Business," is a nonprofit association
dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and the formation, growth and
success of small business nationwide. SCORE is a resource partner
with the U.S. Small Business
Administration. SCORE is America's premier source of free and
confidential small-business advice for entrepreneurs. SCORE has
helped 8.4 million small businesses. The Lincoln and Logan County
Development Partnership just recently announced the launch of the
Logan County SCORE program in October.
[Text from file received from
Lincoln & Logan County
Development Partnership] |
