About

Incuba8 (pronounced "Incubate") is a program of Opportunity Analysts LLC centered in Mid-Michigan (Midland, Saginaw, Bay City, Mt Pleasant) that inspires and generates entrepreneurial activity. We do this through putting on the following types of events throughout the year:

1. Concept Crafting Workshops
2. Consulting/ Freelance Setup Workshops
   
3. Business Startup Conferences
4. Incuba8 Entrepreneurs Conference

Incuba8 also supports and gets participants involved in other local entrepreneurial initiatives:

• EntreMeetups: Entrepreneur & Social Entrepreneur Meetup
• Mid Michigan Innovators Speaker Series (Sponsors: Saginaw Valley State University and Wired)

The objectives of Incuba8 are to:

1. Create a vibrant entrepreneurial community in Mid-Michigan and beyond
2. Unite community efforts and organizations that seek to support entrepreneurs
3. Give accessibility to know-how and resources needed to craft and launch a viable business idea
4. Provide encouragement through the testimonies and life stories of successful, young, and dynamic entrepreneurs
5. Grant opportunities for entrepreneurs (and aspiring entrepreneurs) and those interested in learning and being involved with the startup process to collaborate and network.

Overview of Strategies:

1. Host inspiring speakers that showcase young entrepreneurship
2. Have a mini-boot camp to refine ideas
3. Host a business launch  weekend in order to bring people and resources together to pursue new ventures
4. Showcase the outcomes of the weekend to the community to rally additional support of the startups
5. Showcase organizations that are involved with entrepreneurial activity so that participants can learn about the resources that are available to them.
6. Provide incentives for students to get plugged in by  helping them obtain internship or independent study credit

Incubate fills an unmet need. Currently, there are little efforts in Mid-Michigan that provides support to this age group while actively working to create an entrepreneurial community. Incubate fills this need.

There are several young and passionate individuals who have great business ideas. However, many are unsure of how to proceed. Incubate helps equip these individuals to move forward by teaching the process of evaluating, refining, and launching their ideas.

Incubate is timely. There are several young people who are unable to find work locally and are exploring moving out of state. These young people are more likely to stay if they can pursue their natural interests and create their own job. We hope to provide inspiration for individuals to follow their dreams.

Young people are also more likely to stay if they are a part of an active and passionate community that supports them. Incubate will help foster an entrepreneurial community by bringing passionate and talented individuals together. This type of community energizes and excites people through the synergies that are created.

If you or someone you know is interested or is considering a business start-up check out our website or contact Caryn Shick at cshick@opportunityanalysts.com or 989-430-3518.