The Arts Council’s Arts Business Program is a centralized source of easy, practical business assistance for area artists, arts organizations, and arts businesses. Started in 1991, the Arts Business Program is a place where individuals and organizations can learn, grow their businesses, and exchange ideas and creative energy. In 1999, the Arts Business Program was recognized as a national model when the National Business Incubation Association named it “Business Incubator of the Year."
Designed to cultivate and conceive new ideas for bio-innovation, the Center exists among a community made up of hospitals, medical universities, research centers and biotech businesses. The Center itself can house dozens of companies, providing the infrastructure to support the day-to-day functions of company research and business. The Center’s design provides a close network of the region’s leading researchers and innovators and promotes collaboration within the life science community.
Operated by JEDCO, the incubator will work with early stage technology-based companies providing opportunities for entrepreneurs to commercialize their ideas and produce successful, financially viable businesses. Incubator tenants will have access to an array of business development services and resources to help accelerate growth including education and networking events, marketing and communications assistance, consulting services and professional administrative support.
The purpose of the Gulf Coast Bank and Trust St. Bernard Entrepreneurial Center’s small business incubator is to create successful businesses by providing assistance and facilities to stimulate small business formation, growth and development. The Center provides a professional business environment where a small business can have access to conference rooms, board rooms, wireless internet, as well as fax, phone and a copy machine.