Student Business Incubator
WHAT IS THE STUDENT BUSINESS INCUBATOR?
The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts Student Business Incubator (SBI), administered by the STCC Entrepreneurial Institute, located in the Scibelli Enterprise Center, is the 'hatchery' where new entrepreneurial start-ups, created by high school and college students, are nurtured. The Student Business Incubator helps bridge the gap between academics and a real world entrepreneurial experience with a supportive environment including individual advisors and mentors. Students receive ongoing coaching, information resources, technical assistance, and access to capital. Student businesses receive other support including a computer with Internet access as well as use of phone, fax, copier, and invitations to participate in workshops and seminars sponsored and cosponsored by the STCC Entrepreneurial Institute.
To enroll in the Student Business Incubator, students must go through an interview process which includes a tour of the student business incubator, an initial meeting with the Student Business Incubator Coordinator and submission of a preliminary business plan. This is followed by a comprehensive interview and evaluation process by successful entrepreneurs and STCC faculty.
By providing critical assistance during the start-up phase, the Student Business Incubator helps overcome the odds of business failure. While students grow their business and gain credibility in the marketplace the Incubator provides business information resources and technology assistance. Students can realize their dreams and build their entrepreneurial confidence while learning how to secure funding to expand their venture.
WHAT DO STUDENTS LEARN IN THE STUDENT BUSINESS INCUBATOR?
It is proven that business incubators promote the success of entrepreneurial ventures because they provide on-going support and guidance to the entrepreneur. At the Student Business Incubator, for a minimal charge of $50 a month, students receive the following services: computers, internet access, telephone, printers, fax/copier, support from mentors and STCC faculty members, Entrepreneur Round Tables, business-related workshops/seminars, technical assistance, business plan developmental assistance, free parking, office security, and 24-hour access to the Incubator. Individualized support for student entrepreneurs is facilitated by the SBI Coordinator in a variety of ways including mentors and business advisors as well as specialized training sessions.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE STUDENT BUSINESS INCUBATOR?
Area high school or college student with a preliminary business plan and a desire to build his or her business.
STUDENT BUSINESS INCUBATOR AFFILIATIONS
- Springfield Technical Community College's School of Business and Information Technologies
- Faculty and business professionals at area colleges and universities
- Local and regional high schools
- Community-based organizations
- Collaborating business support organizations
CURRENT TENANTS
Step-parenting.com, Nancy Kotowitz, Owner
First-Aid for Your Stepfamily
Phone: (413) 755-6168
Fax: (413) 755-6005
E-mail: Info@Step-Parenting.Com
Step-Parenting.com is designed to help divorced, step, and single parents find solutions to their daily lives stressful challenges. Step-parenting.com has an online course, survival tactics, and step-parenting programs.
Beyond Brackets, John Reynolds & Pete Gamelli, Owners
Phone: (413) 755-6162
Fax: (413) 755-6005
E-mail:
JX2 Productions, Andrew Jensen, Owner
Phone: (413) 755-6167
Fax: (413) 755-6005
E-mail: andrew@jx2productions.com
A sound production company serving the entertainment industry throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts. Utilizing skilled professionals they strive to make your event the best it can be by creating Memories that last a lifetime.
thingreen computing, Briand LaForest, Owner
Phone: (413) 755-6164
Fax: (413) 755-6005
Sales and support of self-branded client terminal server solutions. Services include security assessment, network design, upgrades, expansion and computer diagnosis and repair.
Multi-Cultural Multimedia, Alexandra and Jaime Alvarez, Owners
Phone: (413) 755-6142
Fax: (413) 755-6005
Promotional advertising products for Latino and Hispanic owned businesses.
Tip Off Sales Force, Christopher Walsh, Owner
Phone: (413) 755-6163
Fax: (413) 755-6005
Provider of in-store merchandising and product promotion for specialty product manufacturers to increase sales and customer appeal.
Kristoriya, Viktoriya Romanchenko and Kristen Thornton, Owners
Phone: (413) 755-6161
Fax: (413) 755-6005
Design and sales of customized decorative gift baskets for all occasions.
Irie Designz, Paul Wilson, Owner
Phone: (413) 755-6144
Fax: (413) 755-6005
Custom design and silk screening of t-shirts and clothing accessories for special events, promotions and advertising. The business specializes in Jamaican themed clothing.
Kahriptic Knights Publishing, John Carnathan, Owner and Jerrald Murphy
Phone: (413) 755-6166
Fax: (413) 755-6005
Role playing games, books and magazine publisher. Innovators, motivators and risk takers.
STUDENT BUSINESS INCUBATOR GRADUATES
T.C.T.F. (Today's Children, Tomorrow's Future) Outreach, Jessy Jimenez, Founder
A youth outreach organization that services the city's youth with activities, events, and life skills training.
A.C.E.S.S. Solutions for Life, Alafia & Hugh Thompson, Founders
(Autism-Spectrum Children's Education, Skills, and Socialization for Life)
Providing activities and programs to enhance the lives of extraordinary families.
A.C.E.S.S. Solutions for Life is an agency offering training, programs/activities, and family support for children of Autism Spectrum and their families in Springfield, Massachusetts and the surrounding areas.
Quick Fix Gourmet, Joseph Willis, Owner
Hungry? Fix it with a Quick Fix Bar!
E-mail: Quickfx2003@hotmail.com
Quick Fix Gourmet manufactures an all new homemade natural sensation candy bar, packed with mouth-watering chocolate chip cookie dough and rich moist brownies surrounded by milk chocolate.
Blondell's Fashion Gallery, Blondell McNair, Owner
We care for both mind and body.
Phone: (413) 7543-9900
E-mail: blondell3fashion@aol.com
Blondell's is a women's fashion design and apparel start-up business, targeting the working woman in need of fine apparel. Blondell is a skilled tailor who can utilize her fashion savvy to create custom clothing.
3D Designs, Dezee Olivo, Owner
Rain or Shine, Deezee's is on time.
3D Designs is a distributor of personalized umbrellas and t-shirts, geared to the individual's specifications. Also 3d Designs including silk-screening.
Pioneer Valley Webs, Kimberley
Converse, Owner
Website: www.pioneervalleywebs.com
Email: kim@pvwebs.com
Pioneer Valley Webs offers custom, reasonably priced website development and maintenance, including digital photography, content development and marketing.
Jonathan's Custom Carpentry, Jonathan Puya, Owner
When only the best works.
Cell Phone: (413) 244-1760
Jonathan's custom carpentry is full service carpentry and landscaping business that offers custom designed home improvements and landscaping.
With Yogi's Harmony, Jade Hogan (CMT-Reiki Practitioner), Owner
With Yogi's Harmony provides alternative health care that meets and exceeds national standards in a safe, and therapeutic environment.
Defiant wheels, Wes Downey and Glen Carlson, Founders
Website: http://www.defiantwheels.com
Email: team@defiantwheels.com
Defiant Wheels specializes in the production of uniquely designed skateboard wheels and accessories.
Mass Bike, Kevin Hanks, Owner
Mass-Bike sells reconditioned, pre-owned bikes at very wallet-friendly prices. BMX, Mountain, Road and Cross-terrain.
Clay's Custom Rides, Clayton Elms, Owner
East Coast Customs specializes in building customized, quality motorcycles, including servicing and upgrades.
Herbs Unlimited, Slava Katko, Owner
Herbs Unlimited is a wholesale and retail distributor and sales company in the holistic medicine business. This new venture specifically targets the Russian speaking community.
Heaven's Harvest, Marcus Neabar, Owner
Heaven's Harvest manufactures all natural fruit drinks for all taste buds.
A GEM STORY, Dan Greenwood, Owner
Know the origin, certifications and life cycle of your valuable gems, produced in a beautifully designed album.
THE ELECTRONICS CENTER, Emmanuel Class, Owner
A complete computer and network services business. They provide computer maintenance, upgrade and repair as well as building computers and networks from the ground up.
CMC DESIGNS, CO. Candice Cameron, Owner
CMC Designs specialized in the production of Hip-Hop style clothing for all occasions.
MYGO, (Massachusetts Youth Golf Organization), Tomas Black
MYGO is a youth gold organization specializing in golf tournaments for youth of all ages and expertise.
VAGRE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC. Luis Barriga, Owner
A Vagre technology is a fast growing technology business focusing on Internet and web design applications.
ALVINS ALL NATURAL ICE CREAM, Alvin Woods, Owner
Phone: (413) 787-1831
Local manufacturer of all natural, super premium ice cream and sorbet. All natural, hand selected ingredients. A little taste of heaven.
C.R.I.M.E. RECORDS, INC., David Morgan and Trisha Joseph
Creative, Realistic, Intelligent Minded Entrepreneurs, (C.R.I.M.E.) Records, Inc., is an independent record label and production company featuring the sounds of the Caribbean.
ROCFIELD ENTERTAINMENT, Taurean Bethea and Kaseem T. Lomax, Founders
Entertainment management and production company.
M-TEKS, Laura Merwin, Owner
Website design and database management systems.
KAY PEST MANAGEMENT, Larry Villalobos, Owner
Kay Pest Management provides quality Pest Management Services while giving the highest concern to health and environment. We ensure customer satisfaction, competitive prices, and excellent service, while maintaining strong customer relationships.
GTFT, INC., Arianna Wilson and Michael Grant, Founders
Generating Tomorrow's Future Today (G.T.F.T.)
G.T.F.T. is a not for profit organization that provides youth programs and training in the business and technical aspects of the entertainment industry while promoting individualism, self-expression and technical skill development. All of the programs are free of charge to the area youths that participate.
BOTELHO EMBROIDERY INTERNATIONAL, Elizabeth Botelho, Owner
Botelho Embroidery International designs and embroiders in both Portuguese and English.
EVENT MASSAGE ASSOCIATES, Cynthia Bailey, Owner
Event Massage Associates (EMA) provides on-site massage therapy services for corporate and private functions. We give your event an added touch.
MOBILE MARKETING SOLUTIONS, Jeffrey Korman and Ryan Salomone, Owners
Mobile Marketing Solutions is a business that sells ad space on vehicles. Vehicle based commercials.