BUSINESS & COMMUNITY INCUBATOR

Incubation is a form of economic development that provides a nurturing environment for startup and emerging businesses. The Center's unique approach to incubation combines nonprofit organizations and businesses in its tenant mix. Through combined space, support services, technical assistance, counseling and equipment a synergy between our tenants is created which allows them to grow and thrive.

• The Center has shared-use equipment and a business resource library available. Equipment includes computer workstations networked with high-speed DSL connection, printers, copier, fax machine and scanner. Our library features software, books, tapes and journals.
• Through James Madison University's Small Business Development Center and SCORE Counselors to America's Small Business, the Center provides free and confidential business counseling. To schedule an appointment, call (540) 468-1922.
• The Center hosts business and economic development workshops. Past topics included financial planning, business planning, youth entrepreneurship, food safety and agri-tourism.

FOOD-BASED INITIATIVES

We seek to build upon the area's natural assets in food and agriculture and work with local entrepreneurs to add value to their products.

• The Center's flagship program, Highland Farmers' Market, is part of the Virginia Grown Farmers' Market Network. Markets are held every Friday from June to September from 3:30 to 6.
• An inspected commercial kitchen is available for food-based businesses and community organizations. The kitchen is equipped with a walk-in freezer and cooler, commercial mixer, pH meter, steam-jacketed kettle and convection oven.
• We are working with local producers, agricultural associations and Virginia and West Virginia Cooperative Extensions to bring an agricultural center to our region. It is envisioned to include a meat processing facility, marketing capabilities and space for education and training.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

• Youth Employment Program (YEP): Each summer, we give local teenagers actual work experience by placing them with area businesses and organizations. YEP participants receive job and life skills training throughout the year.
• Youth Mentoring & Entrepreneurship: We have joined with the Highland Public Schools, Chamber of Commerce, and Highlanders for Responsible Development to form Highland Occupational Mentoring Experience (HOME) which raises student awareness of local small business opportunities.

PUBLIC VENUE

• Space and equipment available for workshops, retreats, and conferences.
* Space for events including quarterly blood mobile drives, 4-H club program activities, fundraisers, theater events, annual meetings, dance classes, weddings, receptions, concerts and reunions.