NBIC converts manufacturing space to mini-suites

Five mini-suites occupy space originally designed to house manufacturing and production start-ups at the Nashville Business Incubation Center in Nashville, Tenn.

Executive Director Mildred Walters says NBIC converted the vacant manufacturing space because there was a demand for spaces one-fourth the size of the incubator’s smallest existing offices — and the space had sat empty for 10 months. The incubator’s existing 21 full-size suites range from 500 square feet to 2,000 square feet. Mini-suites are about 120-square-feet — equivalent to the size of a small bedroom or garage.

"We saw more service-oriented, consulting-type businesses than we saw production or manufacturing companies," Walters says. "About 30 percent of our inquiries were for small office spaces from people who need help getting started, but did not need 500 square feet."

In most cases, mini-suite clients are at an earlier stage of development than their counterparts in larger offices, lack the business plans required of other clients and are pre-revenue, she says. "I think the most important aspect of our program is the community we offer here," Walters says. "That means that they have people here who are going through the same things that they are going through as entrepreneurs and are able to offer them support."

All clients receive 24-hour access, common area maintenance, use of a conference room and training center, and other basic services. Mini-suite clients also meet with staff twice monthly for one-to-one coaching sessions and attend mandatory monthly meetings — along with other incubator clients — on topics that can help them grow their businesses. For example, a successful entrepreneur recently discussed negotiating to get the pay you deserve.

Established by the Tennessee Valley Authority in 1986, NBIC is operated by the Tennessee State University College of Business.

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