The Edge Connection Micro business center Business and kitchen incubator models

1. The Edge Connection Micro business center Business and kitchen incubator models

2. What isThe Edge Connection? • The Edge Connection: • A nationally known entrepreneurial center formed through a strategic partnership with a commitment to create jobs, sustain the economy and Empowering and Developing, Georgia’s Entrepreneurs. • A 15 year old 501 c 3 organization in a strategic partnership and Center of Excellence at Coles College of Business, Kennesaw State University. • Since 2004 has been an SBA Women’s Business Center serving 350 people annually. • Since 2007 operated a shared business incubator in our office suite. • Since 2011 operates the first non-profit Shared Kitchen Incubator in the state: The Edge Kitchen.

3. Community- Campus Partnership

4. Mission As an SBA resource partner, we promote economic self-sufficiency and self-determination through comprehensive entrepreneurial training and economic impact.

5. United States Small Business Administration- Women’s Business Ownership • The Edge Connection is one of 100 SBA Women Business Centers in the country: • Training and Technical Assistance • Financial Assistance and Access to Capital • Contracting and Procurement Assistance • Business Services and Consultation • Business Incubation Models

6. Target Market • Low-to-Moderate Income • Women and Men • Veterans • Disabled • 75% minorities • 78% low income - moderate • 61% unemployed • 78% women • 67% women are single head of household • 10% Veterans • Serving 31 urban and rural counties

7. Five Program Services • Exploring Entrepreneurship: 6 hour exploratory feasibility study. • Plan For Profit: 16 week course in Business Analysis, Marketing for Success, Financial Planning, Access to Capital. • Advanced Plan Business Course: Procurement Contracts and Certification for supply chains, and access to large sums of capital. • Kitchen Incubator Services: Shared commercial kitchen and business development training. • Shared Business Incubator Services: Shared office space with computers, access to technology, library, mail boxes, consultants, printing and fax services.

8. Business Development Office

9. Business Incubator

10. The Edge Kitchen • A non-profit shared kitchen incubator for food entrepreneurs with a mission to provide a certified facility and comprehensive business development services to support the growth and sustainability of food producers.

11. Services • Marketplace • Classes and workshops in the industry • Business development services • Access to new markets • Access to capital • Affordable leasing space • Security and Camera System • Free utilities • Free trash removal • Dry and Cold Storage • Conference Room • Computer Lab

18. Goals of the Incubators • Provide a business setting for start-up businesses. • Provide a legal and licensed facility for food producers. • Support in growing the food related business. • Job creation. • New business licenses. • Opening new store front businesses. • Economic impact. • Increased tax base.

19. Metrics • Served approximately 2,700 clients in business training and technical assistance • Provided more than 85,000 hours or consultation/training services since inception • 70% of documented clients served have launched or grown business ventures • One-year outcomes tell us 95% of polled businesses are still in operation • 64% of business owners reporting an increase in sales and • 48% reporting an increase in income

20. Metrics • Three-year outcomes tell us 79% of polled businesses are still in operation • 54% of business owners reporting an increase in sales and • 52% reporting an increase in income Nationally, 34% of businesses fail after two years* • * U.S. Small Business Administration

21. Contact Information Contact Uswww.theedgeconnection.com www.theedgekitchen.com 770-499-3228The Edge ConnectionColes College of BusinessKennesaw State University1000 Chastain Rd, #3305Kennesaw, GA 30144-5588