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IncubatorWorks Support Entrepreneurs Through Pandemic

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Local Non-Profit Supports Small Business Owners Throughout the COVID Pandemic

Painted Post, NY: IncubatorWorks developed resources and systems that encouraged small businesses to survive while most others struggled to stay afloat throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In the last year, IncubatorWorks provided support and resources to entrepreneurs and small business owners in and around New York State’s Southern Tier at the forefront of the pandemic by holding virtual educational sessions about PPP and EIDL. Due to their efforts, they assisted in bringing over half a million dollars to support the survival of our regional small businesses Their programs offer everything from the nuts and bolts of building a business, to finding a mentor, and launching during a global crisis. 

“We don’t think we would have survived if lncubatorWorks had not been there to help guide us,” shared Greenstar Services owner, David Rowe. “The biggest challenge we had was understanding the transitioning from a partnership to a corporation. Along with our Attorney and Accountant, lncubatorWorks helped us through this process.” 

IncubatorWorks helped Greenstar Services through the application phase of New York State Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification which they received on February 25, 2021. 

IncubatorWorks helped the owner of Elmira Bikes, Tara Escudero, develop a plan and message to start a community bike shop. Connecting her with a non-profit to help launch the community program, as well as with help with funding applications. They have since exceeded their crowdfunding goal and are planning to open Elmira’s first community bike shop next month.

“Incubator Works gave me a sense of legitimacy and motivation to finish tasks to present for review. Having thoughtful, professional, and kind people review my work and give suggestions made me feel validated and encouraged,” Ms. Escuderos said.

A unique offering is IncubatorWorks’ 10 week Co.Starters Program which consists of 10-15 student entrepreneurs, and a handful of instructors. Each week the class discets key strategies of entrepreneurship, including pricing, business structure, budgeting, and sales projections. A mentor shares the successes and challenges they experienced in the early stages of entrepreneurship. The program culminates with a pitch contest where a student can receive $500 to put towards business expenses.

“My business went from looking like a very optimistic second year in 2020, to basically non-existent with COVID. That’s when my relationship with IncubatorWorks began,” shares FLX Best Wine Tours owner Stacy Gray. “Through the Co.Starters program, I learned the “nuts and bolts” of running a business. I would say the one thing I use most frequently is my elevator pitch! I’m sure winning the pitch contest in the Co.Starters program helped! Having a quick sentence or two ready to go to describe my business has helped me feel more confident talking to people about my service.” 

About IncubatorWorks: IncubatorWorks is a non-profit organization committed to providing entrepreneurs and small business owners in and around New York State’s Southern Tier the resources needed to thrive and grow. Executive Director and CFO, Nancy Kirby Kurjakovic is not only a Certified Public Accountant, she has been named a Small Business Advocate by the Small Business Association (SBA). She is a certified Leadership Coach committed to the success of her community.

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