BCEDA News

Helping Infant Businesses:

Lee Davidson

Mobile Register

01/10/03

Baldwin County's business incubator program is warming up, according to its backers. The program has been under way since last May, when economic development officials jump-started the program in fast-growing Baldwin.

The goal is to create a support system to guide young businesses through their first three years -- offering loans, mentors and discount services that fresh companies need most, said Bob Higgins , director of technical assistance for the Baldwin County Incubator.

It's similar to a program that's worked well in Mobile County for 15 years. If a new Baldwin County business qualifies and is accepted, it will receive professional services at up to a 75 percent discount, Higgins has said. He is leading the charge for the program's success through the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance .

Thus far, three applicants have been accepted for the program. Overall, Higgins said, nearly 50 interested folks have participated in some aspect of the program since May.

Another 36 people -- ranging from chief executive officers to accountants to lawyers -- have volunteered as mentors for the young businesses, he said. They have pledged to meet once a month with a startup company and offer advice.

Also, about 10 companies, primarily along the Eastern Shore, have offered "good rates" on office space and shared services -- such as secretarial -- to the infant firms.

"It would be 80 to 90 jobs created by these new companies," Higgins said. "Everything from high-tech software stuff to a candy maker. I'm really happy so far."

For more information, contact your local Baldwin area chamber of commerce or the Baldwin County Virtual Business Incubator at 947-2445 or visit online at www.baldwinincubator.com.

Higgins said the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance has also recently revamped its Web site, which is at www.baldwineda.com.