ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) \u2014 A group of ten local entrepreneurs was recognized in Elmira on Tuesday for completing a months-long intensive program through IncubatorWorks. Some of the latest participants say they’re walking away with new information on how to run their businesses.<\/p>\n
Whether they’ve owned their business for several years or had a new idea, the group spent months learning the ins and outs of running a small business. As of Tuesday, the group officially became IncubatorWorks\u2019 6th Business Plan Cohort to gradate the program and present their ideas to the public.<\/p>\n
IncubatorWorks is a local business incubator promoting economic development in the Southern Tier. Offering classes is just part of their mission to help people bring their ideas to life.<\/p>\n
“\u200aWe create programming that helps startups, start up,\u201d said Filomena Jack, the program director at IncubatorWorks. \u201cSo Main Street entrepreneurs who wanna learn how to better understand their business better, understand their customer, and really discern if what they’re working on is viable for themselves.”<\/p>\n
The intensive program is a two class series. The first is a 12-week Co.Starters Business Accelerator Class. Once participants complete that, they can take part in the seven-week Business Plan Class.<\/p>\n
“\u200aWhen you walked into this program and Co.Starters, you validated an idea and you are now here to graduate from business plan class,\u201d said Ashleigh Madison, the executive director of IncubatorWorks. \u201cSo you have a plan, and more importantly, you have the confidence that comes from doing the hard work and tonight, that is what we celebrate.”<\/p>\n
From creative reuse businesses to life coaching and more, each participant had the chance to give their elevator pitches to attendees, a short pitch lasting around a minute that gives people an idea of what their business is. They also had a chance to share their takeaways and receive their plaques and certificates.<\/p>\n
“\u200aThis has been incredibly helpful for me because even though I’ve been in business for a long time, there were a lot of gaps that this program helped me to fill in and there’s a lot of things I learned about myself and my business that is gonna help me moving forward,\u201d said Victoria Sardo, the owner of FLX Unique<\/a>, a brick-and-mortar store that holds handmade and locally made products from around 100 businesses.<\/p>\n