THE EDGE CONNECTION MICRO BUSINESS CENTER BUSINESS AND KITCHEN INCUBATOR MODELS

THE EDGE CONNECTION Coles College of Business Kennesaw State University 1000 Chastain Rd. #3305 Kennesaw, GA [p] [f] What is The 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.

THE EDGE CONNECTION Coles College of Business Kennesaw State University 1000 Chastain Rd. #3305 Kennesaw, GA [p] [f] Community- Campus Partnership

THE EDGE CONNECTION Coles College of Business Kennesaw State University 1000 Chastain Rd. #3305 Kennesaw, GA [p] [f] Mission As an SBA resource partner, we promote economic self-sufficiency and self-determination through comprehensive entrepreneurial training and economic impact.

THE EDGE CONNECTION Coles College of Business Kennesaw State University 1000 Chastain Rd. #3305 Kennesaw, GA [p] [f] 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

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

THE EDGE CONNECTION Coles College of Business Kennesaw State University 1000 Chastain Rd. #3305 Kennesaw, GA [p] [f] 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.

THE EDGE CONNECTION Coles College of Business Kennesaw State University 1000 Chastain Rd. #3305 Kennesaw, GA [p] [f] Business Development Office

THE EDGE CONNECTION Coles College of Business Kennesaw State University 1000 Chastain Rd. #3305 Kennesaw, GA [p] [f] Business Incubator

THE EDGE CONNECTION Coles College of Business Kennesaw State University 1000 Chastain Rd. #3305 Kennesaw, GA [p] [f] 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.

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

THE EDGE CONNECTION Coles College of Business Kennesaw State University 1000 Chastain Rd. #3305 Kennesaw, GA [p] [f]

THE EDGE CONNECTION Coles College of Business Kennesaw State University 1000 Chastain Rd. #3305 Kennesaw, GA [p] [f]

THE EDGE CONNECTION Coles College of Business Kennesaw State University 1000 Chastain Rd. #3305 Kennesaw, GA [p] [f]

THE EDGE CONNECTION Coles College of Business Kennesaw State University 1000 Chastain Rd. #3305 Kennesaw, GA [p] [f] 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.

THE EDGE CONNECTION Coles College of Business Kennesaw State University 1000 Chastain Rd. #3305 Kennesaw, GA [p] [f] 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

THE EDGE CONNECTION Coles College of Business Kennesaw State University 1000 Chastain Rd. #3305 Kennesaw, GA [p] [f] 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

THE EDGE CONNECTION Coles College of Business Kennesaw State University 1000 Chastain Rd. #3305 Kennesaw, GA [p] [f] Contact Information Contact Us The Edge Connection Coles College of Business Kennesaw State University 1000 Chastain Rd, #3305 Kennesaw, GA