An ongoing study will look at ways to help Allen Countians turn their small business dreams into reality.
Atlas Community Studios, a firm specializing in strategic planning and rural economic development, has been hired by Thrive Allen County to conduct a business incubator-accelerator feasibility study.
The feasibility study evaluates the market demands for business incubators, and identifies strategies to support the region’s entrepreneurs.
On top of visiting with focus groups and partaking in other interviews, Atlas is hosting an online public survey for residents to submit their ideas and feedback. All who live, do business, work or attend school in Allen County are invited to join the conversation.
The study can be accessed online by clicking here.
The survey is open through Tuesday, Feb. 14, although it could remain open longer if there’s sufficient response.
“Thrive is excited to work with Atlas and our community members to strategically uncover potential assets for the entrepreneurs and small business owners who are the backbone of our economy,” Lisse Regehr, Thrive executive director and chief executive officer, said in a press release. “Allen Countians have a chance to tell us what challenges exist for businesses and what they do — and don’t — need to overcome those challenges.”
ALLEN COUNTY has offered business incubator spaces in the past.
Rachel Moore, community planning and development coordinator with Thrive, pointed to ongoing efforts such as the Allen County Farmers Market and a new commercial kitchen at the Marmaton Market in Moran as offering opportunities for growers and makers to become entrepreneurs.
“We have these little pieces working as hard as they can,” Moore told the Register. “We can be stronger working together.”
Are there others who simply need an opportunity to hawk their wares?
Moore thinks there are.
“We may find out we need two different kinds of business incubators,” she said. “It doesn’t have to be just a space for a traditional business incubator.”
The feasibility study will include a market analysis, management plan for operations, financial analysis and implementation strategy to ensure Allen County is equipped with the tools and resources needed to cultivate the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Helping secure federal and state resources to make it happen also is part of the mix.
Atlas Community Studios has spearheaded recent economic development-themed studies of Allen County, including an extensive look at housing in 2021.
The study is funded through a $35,000 U.S Department of Agriculture grant awarded to Thrive last fall.
“We are thrilled to be able to work alongside the team at Thrive Allen County to conduct this feasibility study,” said Alex Holland, co-founder and vice president of Atlas Community Studios. “Entrepreneurs and small businesses are the foundation of the American economy and are critical to supporting the vitality of rural communities throughout the country.”
