Enterprise Business Incubator receives statewide honor

The Enterprise Business Incubator was among 82 Alabama companies recently recognized by the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama Foundation.

The foundation recognized companies and entities that have helped in creating thousands of jobs for Alabamians.

The award was presented during the third annual Alabama Launchpad Innovation and Entrepreneurship Conference in Birmingham.

Wiregrass Economic Development Corporation Director Jonathan Tullos said the recognition shows that the Enterprise Business Incubator, designed to assist new manufacturing firms, has been successful in its mission.

"That success has translated into new business opportunities within the city and county," Tullos said. "Hopefully this will encourage more people to reach out to our organization ... and let us see how we can help entrepreneurs be successful.

"It's really positive reinforcement for what the city and other communities like Enterprise are doing to foster growth and industry."

Collectively, business incubators across the state have created more than 6,700 jobs, and the Enterprise Business Incubator has contributed 600 of those jobs.

The incubator, owned by the city of Enterprise and managed by the Wiregrass EDC, formerly known as the Enterprise Coffee Geneva Economic Development Corporation, works closely with companies in the first few important years of development.

Through training programs, access to technical assistance, physical space including manufacturing bays and conference room space, the incubator helps get businesses off the ground.