Nussbaum Center: Economic Growth = Entrepreneurial Growth

We are privileged in the Piedmont Triad to have a number of organizations working toward developing the region’s economy.  One such organization is the Nussbaum Center.  The Nussbaum Newsletter  (September-October, 2009) recently highlighted the importance of small business to the growth of the economy.  The article points to a study by the U.S. Small Business Administration, stating that small businesses with less than 20 employees were responsible for virtually all of the net job growth during the past two recessions.   Nussbaum President/CEO added that “Following a year in which over 1 million jobs were lost in the U.S., this growth highlights the importance of supporting emerging companies.  The growth of all entrepreneurial companies is key to the continued economic growth of the Triad, and the Nussbaum Center devotes every available resource toward this goal.”

Actions speak louder than words for Sam Funchess.  The Nussbaum Center is a non-profit economic development corporation which supports start-ups in the Piedmont Triad through the operation of a business incubator located in the heart of Greensboro.  The incubator is designed to provide modestly priced office and light manufacturing space to support non-retail, new or emerging businesses.   The incubator also assists the start-up by providing shared support services such as business counseling, a receptionist, copier, fax, mail boxes, and data entry.

In order to qualify as an associate of the Nussbaum center, a business must demonstrate a strong need for rental space, as well as the services and support provided by the incubator.   Once the qualified business applies to become an associate, a review of the company’s business plan and interview with the principals will determine if the company has a reasonable chance of success given the right set of circumstances.  Check out their website if you would like to apply to become an associate of the Nussbaum Center or would like more information about their incubator program.     

Sue A. Evans, NatBIC