The Innovation Center in Biloxi, Mississippi is dedicated to nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit on the Gulf Coast and beyond. Since its inception in October 1990, The Innovation Center (formerly the Gulf Coast Business Technology Center) has grown and graduated numerous diverse businesses and has helped create many new jobs.
It is far too common that individuals have a great idea for a small business, but lack the business knowledge and basic essentials to make it a reality. The Innovation Center assists those individuals by offering space, services and programs that help overcome the initial challenges faced by all beginning businesses.
The space available at The Innovation Center includes flexible floor plans, conference rooms, and a break room, as well as basic utilities and security system. Sharing space not only saves greatly on operating costs, it also provides insightful interaction and networking opportunities with other ambitious entrepreneurs.
Computer access, Internet capabilities, mailing and postage, and shipping and receiving are among the services offered at The Innovation Center. These may seem like very basic things to most people, but for a start-up businesses having immediate access to such necessities saves on time, money and stress.
Business planning assistance, consulting services and workshops are offered at The Innovation Center to provide the knowledge for starting a business and successfully sustaining it.
The Virtual Tenant Program at The Innovation Center provides support and resources to entrepreneurs without them having to rent office space. Virtual tenants are able to operate from an outside location, but still receive many of the benefits of those within The Innovation Center.
Stephen Whitt, a Florida native, was appointed executive director of The Innovation Center in late 2007 and has made many changes since, including renaming and rebranding the organization. He hopes to transcend the boundaries of The Innovation Center and create a stronger network of entrepreneurial programs on the Coast.
“Entrepreneurs and small business are the heart of our economy,” said Whitt. “Many people have great creative ideas, but are discouraged by the business aspect. We want to encourage individuals to develop their ideas and step ‘out of the box and into the world,’ as our new slogan says.”
