The old Marine Corps training center, which was located on West Market Street, is now the new ETSU Innovation Laboratory.
The new lab is a business incubator designed to assist small, technology-based businesses take off in order to promote economic growth with the local area. Remote areas can now be reached as well, through the virtual incubator via the Internet.
“The Innovation Lab helps start business by helping to provide fax machines, copiers and utility services,” said LaDonna Hilton, receptionist for the lab.
The Innovation Lab also rents spaces to businesses that are just beginning.
All of the decision is based upon technology, management, market and finances as well as start up funding, business plans, investor attractiveness and growth potential.
Funding is on a year-to-year basis, but most tenants and business assisted make use of the lab for three years.
Although the Innovation Lab is a business incubator, that is not its only purpose. The Smart Classroom with a Smart Board is also located there, and the Tennessee Small Business Development Center has relocated from the ETSU College of Business to the ETSU Innovation Lab.
“Graduates can come in the lab and observe what goes on and help out, ” Hilton said.
ETSU has recently become the first public university to create its own research foundation.
Call 439-8500 for more information.

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