EPIcenter Germantown launches new co-working space, resources for entrepreneurs

The City of Germantown and EPIcenter, through a public-private partnership, have opened a collaborative working and business space in Germantown’s West Poplar Avenue District.
 
Located in Carrefour at Kirby Woods, at the intersection of Poplar Avenue and Kirby, EPIcenter Germantown offers collaborative co-working opportunities to entrepreneurs. The facility is intended to provide a cost-effective work environment as well as programming and expert support to encourage the growth of start-ups and small businesses.
 
The 900-square-foot space features furnished cubicles, a common area that can be converted into additional work space to accommodate growth, a conference room, Wi-Fi, and a monitoring system with secure access. Scheduled programming, networking events and office hours will provide access to local experts in venture capital, finance and accounting, marketing and sales, City of Germantown services and support, and connections to other EPIcenter programming and events around the region. A community manager will oversee scheduling and a full calendar of programming and events will be available this month.
 
The space and programming were developed by the City of Germantown, EPIcenter and Memphis Bioworks Foundation in response to recommendations in the City’s Economic Development Strategic Plan.  Funding for EPIcenter Germantown was approved by the Germantown Board of Mayor and Aldermen in June 2015 as a civic support grant in the amount of $20,000. The Delta Regional Authority's States' Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP) also made an investment of more than $93,000 to fund programming that supports the growth of members and other companies in the region.
 
EPIcenter was created to provide a unified voice across the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by thoughtfully connecting resources such as accelerators, incubators, mentors, investors, networking programs, the higher education community and technical assistance programs for entrepreneurs. EPIcenter also highlights resources offered by its partners, connects them to more entrepreneurs and to each other, ensures they have the support to continue being successful and identifies opportunities or gaps where EPIcenter can provide additional resources or programming.
 
“EPIcenter Germantown is one part of our economic development strategy to connect and catalyze our regional entrepreneurial resources and neighborhoods,” said Leslie Lynn Smith, President of EPIcenter.  “This kind of space is ideal for creative or tech-based entrepreneurs or small business owners who are looking for a collaborative community. This space and its programming will help participating companies grow and connect to each other, to needed expertise and resources, and to the broader ecosystem.” 
 
“Germantown is proud to partner with EPIcenter to strengthen the region’s entrepreneurship ecosystem by supporting emerging businesses and providing resources to our citizens,” said Mayor Mike Palazzolo. “A space like this in Germantown helps expand the opportunities for economic development and business growth for our entire region.”
 
Memberships, which are open to all area residents, are $125 per month per person and will be available for purchase beginning this week. An Open House will be held at the space on January 12 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Palazzolo, Smith and Germantown Economic Development Commission Chairman Jerry Klein will speak. For more information or to RSVP go here.