E-Station
Welcome to the E-Station. The E-Station is a virtual business incubator with a bricks & mortar option, designed to help business start-ups get a solid foundation that will lead to future success. All services are available to all participants whether you work here at a desk or work here through the internet.
Floor Space
Like traditional incubators, the E-Station has some floor space. The "bricks & mortar"
portion of the E-Station consists of cubicles available on an as needed basis as well as permanent hosting with locking cabinets and storage. Use of the facilities is by application.
The desk space used is only part of the facilities available. For more private client work there are 3 conference rooms available ranging from room for 6 up to room for 80 with a kitchen. There are also furnished patios for that meeting "al fresco".
Counseling and Mentors
E-Station clients enjoy the full services of the Small Business Development Center on a regular basis. We are also putting together a network of mentors and professionals to help. Our professional partners range from Patent Attorneys to CPA's. As your business grows and develops it's important to remember where you started so we ask our incubator clients to volunteer a little time to mentor non-competitors and help give back to the program.
Establish your Presence
In the E-Station you will have a company face and location. Your mailing address will be 320 Aggie Blvd. for mail service, freight and client meetings.
Technology
You provide your own computer (laptop for those with daily use permits) and your own cell phone. The E-Station provides high speed wireless internet which connects you to fax machines, scanners and color printers. All are available for your use within reason. In other words, print what you need but no book publishing please.
We grant you access to our teleconferencing website and we can provide online surveys and limited web assistance.
Cost
Initially there is no cost. As your business grows you will be charged a minor rental fee to help cover the costs of the incubator. It is expected that after a maximum of 3 years, a business will graduate from the incubator. At that time rent on the space will be increased to encourage "leaving the nest".
Which Businesses are best suited to the Incubator?
It's easier to answer by talking about who isn't suited. Retail operations and food operations don't work well in a small incubator. If an operation has a shop where the work is performed and use the incubator as office space and for client meetings, that works well. Services work well like cleaning or freight. Online businesses are highly suited to our incubator. The E-Station Director will assess your particular idea and give you feed back.
Getting Started
Startup is easy. Simply go to the Counseling Section and request a counseling session. Speaking with us directly will give you the information you need. We will provide you with the application and the requirements.