Georgia Southern University’s Business Innovation Group (BIG) at the Innovation Incubator (I2) in downtown Statesboro is getting ready to open its newly renovated space, adding office suites and more than 14,000 square feet of new space to BIG’s footprint.
The reimagined space located at 64 East Main Street will serve as a local community gathering hub for economic growth, small business incubation and innovation. BIG has strategically partnered with the city of Statesboro and the Downtown Statesboro Development Authority (DSDA) to reengineer the space, providing a “mini-civic hub” for a fraction of the cost to taxpayers.
“This remarkable facility is a testament to what is possible when the community works towards a common goal of advancing economic opportunity,” said Associate Provost for Innovation and Commercialization and Director of BIG Dominique Halaby, DPA. “Not only does this expand our services to area entrepreneurs and innovators, it serves as a visual marker as to what makes downtown Statesboro such a great place to start and grow your business.”
Funded by a $2 million grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) and $500,000 from the city of Statesboro, the changes to BIG are expected to create 300 jobs and generate $40 million in private investment.
“We are happy to see the completion of the new meeting space and offices on the city campus,” said Statesboro Mayor Jonathan McCollar. “It has been a long process and I am excited about the grand opening and the training space.”
Executive Director DSDA Allen Muldrew echoed the mayor’s sentiments.
“This is a great example of our community coming together to create businesses and jobs in our downtown environment,” Muldrew said.
The project was designed by DPR Architecture in partnership with Akins Company General Contractors. The renovated facility comprises more than a 10,800 square-foot space and houses seven office suites, a reception area, two interactive conference rooms, a breakout area, a small conference venue and a makerspace.
“The U.S. Economic Development Administration is excited to partner with Georgia Southern University’s Business Innovation Group, the City of Statesboro and the Downtown Statesboro Development Authority on this important small business incubator project,” said Jonathan Corso, EDA representative. “This expansion allows the Innovation Incubator to positively impact even more entrepreneurs and small businesses who will grow and thrive in Bulloch County and beyond.
The launching of the new incubator space keeps BIG on the growth trajectory that it’s been on for nearly 10 years. Last year alone, BIG was responsible for the launching of 57 new businesses and provided assistance to nearly 500 businesses. BIG was responsible for the development of over $100 million in capital access for those businesses to grow and accelerate, and supported 2,242 jobs.
For more information or to get involved with BIG, contact Catherine Blake by emailing cblake@georgiasouthern.edu, calling 770-883-1117 or visit https://research.georgiasouthern.edu/big/.
ABOUT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION:
The mission of the EDA is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth. Visit: https://www.eda.gov/
ABOUT BUSINESS INNOVATION GROUP:
The BIG at Georgia Southern works to build an ecosystem throughout the State of Georgia to help entrepreneurs create, incubate and accelerate their for-profit business enterprises. BIG works to facilitate access to university resources, to create opportunities for student experiential learning, and to foster an environment that supports a growth mindset throughout the state.
As a unit of the Office of Research at Georgia Southern, BIG is committed to developing and deploying new technological platforms, innovative programs, quality services and educational events to help meet the needs of area businesses, entrepreneurs and innovators seeking to expand business operations and launch new business enterprises, products and services.
Visit: https://research.georgiasouthern.edu/big/
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