Owatonna Incubator celebrates 20th year
It was 20 years ago that the seven founding members put their dream into a mission statement and started the Owatonna Business Incubator. Today the mission statement remains basically the same: to help and encourage individuals start and grow businesses.
The Incubator started out with office rental and then built a 40,000 square foot rental facility for clients that need start-up manufacturing space. Through the years, the Staff and Board of Directors have provided assistance to hundreds of individuals starting or seeking to grow their businesses in and around Owatonna. Today those businesses range in size from one person businesses to businesses with 100 employees.
A luncheon attended by current and past Board members was held at the Gainey Conference Center to celebrate the milestone of 20 years. Vern White gave the key note address, relating his experiences as one of the seven founding members.
With its proven mission statement, individual approach to assistance, and the continued support from community volunteers, the Owatonna Business Incubator is well positioned to have a continued impact on tomorrow’s businesses.