Proposed business incubation center

Jo McIntire and John Wood, Directors of Ancient City Enterprise Center, Inc. reported to Historic City News that their organization is addressing our community’s need for a “business incubation center.”

Incubation is a dynamic process of business enterprise development that nurtures young firms, helping them to survive and grow during the start-up period when they are most vulnerable.

An incubation center usually provides office space, equipment and services at subsidized rates plus a strong educational component.

An incubation program’s main goal is to produce successful graduates, businesses that are financially viable in the marketplace.

“We seek to aid new and existing for-profit and non-profit organizations negotiate today’s difficult economic environment” said McIntire.

The Steering Committee of this 501(c)3 not for profit organization includes Ken Bryan, County Commissioner District 5, St. Johns County, Gale Burnick, Involved resident of Lincolnville, George Gardner, Former Mayor and Commissioner, City of St. Augustine, Cathryn Hagan, Area Director, Small Business Development Center at UNF, Felix R. Livingston, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Business Administration, Flagler College, Mark Miner, County Commissioner District 3, St. Johns County, J. Eugene Watson Jr., Former Vice-Chair, Enterprise North Florida Corporation, Doug Wiles, President, Herbie Wiles Insurance, Marilyn Wiles, President Emeritus, Enterprising Women’s Leadership Institute, Inc. and Rev. Ron Rawls, Community Organizer/Pastor, St. Paul’s AME Church.

For more information about participating in this program, contact Jo McIntire at 904-461-3175.