Nicholls State launches business incubator

The Bayou Region Incubator and the Student Entrepreneur and Innovation Center celebrated its grand opening event Feb. 21.
Nicholls State University received a $3.5 million Community Development Block Grant CARES Act to establish the BRI.
The university renovated a 10,535-square-foot, two-story building located approximately one mile away from the university’s main campus in downtown Thibodaux, which will provide business incubation and co-working space for entrepreneurs striving to develop business ventures.
This space will be accessible to students in various stages of business development from ideation to validation, to launching and scaling a business.
“Today isn’t just about cutting a ribbon,” said Executive Director Lisa Kliebert. “It’s about unlocking the potential that thrives within our community.
“The goal is for the Bayou Region Incubator to become a catalyst for innovation, a launch pad for dreams, and a positive contribution to the economy of our entire region. Inside this space, entrepreneurs will find support to cultivate their ideas, access to invaluable resources, and a network of mentors.
“We are celebrating not just a grand opening, but the beginning of a regional resource that will ripple effect into our economic futures,” The BRI plans to host approximately 40 to 50 startups and small businesses through different levels of membership, offering collaborative work and meeting spaces, private offices, multifunctional conference rooms, a break room and restrooms. In addition, the BRI will provide a large co-working space designed for members who want a dedicated workspace but do not require a private office.
“There will also be a level of membership for established businesses seeking training for employees around workforce transferable skills through an Enterprise membership level. “
Through the incubator, local entrepreneurs will have access to trainings, guest speakers, networking opportunities, members-only resources and mentoring. The incubator will also bring guest speakers to campus, host entrepreneurial workshops, organize pitch competitions and provide professional development.
The incubator’s objectives include enhancing resiliency in a post-COVID-19 environment by diversifying the local economy and developing strategies for businesses to adapt and respond to new economic trends and unexpected challenges. Additionally, the incubator will organize programs for minority and women-owned businesses and support business development and job creation in low and moderate-income communities. For more information, visit bayouregionincubator.org.