The $50,000 award will help fund the development, enhancement, and marketing of the proposed Virtual Incubator Program. The Virtual Incubator concept is more than a virtual space for simplifying and streamlining the small business start-up process; it is a partnership between all local agencies providing entrepreneurship services throughout Champaign County. The Virtual Incubator will be managed and coordinated by the local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) located at the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation.
Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen stated, “The City of Champaign is committed to improving the start up process for aspiring entrepreneurs in our community. This award provides a great opportunity to move our Virtual Incubator Program forward and begin opening the doors of opportunity to all our citizens.”