Bridgeworks Enterprise Center Business Incubator

Matthew TuerkAllentown Economic Development Corporation

Allentown Economic Development Corporation• For over 30 years, AEDC has facilitated

economic development in Allentown

•AEDC provides economic development services, including small business financing and site location assistance

•Our mission is to identify, encourage, manage, and develop business opportunities for the benefit of Allentown, its citizens, and the Lehigh Valley

Mack Plant 4A in 1925

Bridgeworks Enterprise Center 2010

Turning a Mack Plant into a Business Incubator

• In 1988, AEDC acquired Mack Plant 4A and transformed it into the Bridgeworks Enterprise Center, home to the Bridgeworks Business Incubator

How do we incubate businesses at the Bridgeworks?

• Technical assistance

• Entrepreneurial education through partners

• Start-up capital

• Shared services

• Subsidized real estate

• Facilitate entrepreneurial interaction

Types of Bridgeworks space

• Collaborative Workspace

• Open floorplan with wireless internet, workstations and private meeting rooms

•Home Office Alternative

• +/- 200 square foot suites with a shared conference room

•Manufacturing Suites

What is the manufacturing space like?

• Suites range from 1,200 to 6,500 square feet with 15’ ceiling clearance and wood or concrete floors

• Clients have 24-hour access to their unit and ample parking

• Shared conference room

• 2 shared loading docks are available for spaces without dock doors

• Spaces feature amazing natural light

Who has been through the program?

•Graduates include VistaCom, Applied Separations, AERC, and Solar Tech

•Current clients include Luminaire Testing Lab, ColdEdge, and MTS Ventures

What kind of clients are we looking for today?

• In 2010, we are focused on our mission of providing incubation services to small manufacturers. We are particularly interested in companies that fabricate products that are employed by the clean/green technology industries

Why small manufacturing?• Allentown is a great

place to make things

• Allentown’s industrial buildings were built for small manufacturing

•Nearby workforce

•Good access to commercial transportation

Upcoming Events

•May 20

• AEDC/LVEDC Hackerspace & Shared Fabrication Shop Panel Discussion

• ULI/AEDC Urban Industrial Event

Questions?contact:

Lewis Edwardsledwards@thebridgeworks.com

(610) 770-1015www.thebridgeworks.com