Part of the "Opportunity Tomorrow - Education" initiative
Create a manufacturing incubator space with a fabrication laboratory to inspire and equip manufacturing innovation and entrepreneurial activity. The incubator would provide shared fabrication tools, facilities, office space, desks, conference rooms, printers, and other amenities so small businesses and entrepreneurs can access affordable resources, collaborate with manufacturers, and develop relationships with local businesses, colleges, universities, and the school system.
Tracks team of individuals needed to serve as incubator management.
Tracks creation and retention of new employment in the manufacturing sector.
Tracks grant applications from EDA and One Georgia.
Tracks business classes on soft skills and leadership skills taught by Mercer University.
Tracks estimated annual cost for facilitator, support services, and continued machinery upgrades.
Tracks dedicated funding sources for continued operations.
Tracks collaboration with educational partners leading to a culture of creativity and learning in Douglas County.
Tracks number of manufacturers developing in or moving to the area.
Tracks relationships between youth and Douglas County employers.
Tracks facilitator requirement in annual cost.
Tracks affordable access to shared fabrication tools and facilities for small businesses.
Tracks partnerships listed in the report.
Tracks machinery donated by community businesses and provided through West Georgia Technical College.
Tracks school field trip access to the incubator space.
Tracks creation of a manufacturing incubator space with a fabrication laboratory.
Tracks number of jobs created by incubator tenants and graduates.
Tracks shared office space, rented desks, conference rooms, printers, and other amenities.
Tracks potential creation of a niche incubator space for the film industry.
Tracks fabrication tools, machinery, and facilities made accessible through shared services.
Tracks manufacturers growing, expanding, and staying located in Douglasville.
Tracks commitment of partners in secondary education and local government.
Tracks cost reduction through shared equipment.
Tracks potential partnership with the maker’s space.
Tracks use of media outlets to share success stories and increase the space’s use and popularity.
Tracks continued machinery upgrades as an annual operating need.
Tracks the four stated action steps for implementation.
Tracks broader partnership network including local businesses, colleges, universities, and the school system.
Tracks long-term integration of the incubator into community culture.
Tracks affordable space for new and existing small manufacturers.
Tracks student opportunities to work side by side with entrepreneurs.
Tracks partnership between West Georgia Technical College and Mercer University.
Tracks visible funding/resource sources listed for the incubator.
Tracks need for vacant spaces or sites that can support equipment weight and safety requirements.
Tracks community access to tours of the incubator space.
Tracks reuse of an older building to preserve Douglasville architecture and prevent deterioration.
Tracks identification of an appropriate location through review of the downtown area.
Tracks Mercer University soft skill and time management classes for entrepreneurs.
Tracks initial capital investment and start-up cost.
Detailed visible budget: Initial Capital Investment and Start-up Cost: $3 million, less if the former jail building is used and property acquisition is not required. Estimated Annual Cost: $300,000 for facilitator, support services, and continued machinery upgrades.