Ennovation Center stays busy The Examiner – Examiner

By Mike Genet mike.genet@examiner.net

A place for startup businesses in Independence

After an initial three-month closure because its housed in an Independence School District building, the Ennovation Center has continued to be a busy site as a business incubator through the pandemic. Clients welcomed the opportunity to continue providing their services, helped by the lower overhead costs the center affords, and in some cases have expanded their business. Some people took the time to investigate starting their own business without needing to buy a full business space. The Ennovation Center started as a tech company and food production incubator a partnership between the school district and Independence Economic Development Council. Its housed in a portion of the former hospital building on Forest Avenue that also houses the school districts central offices. Over time, an eclectic mix of small businesses, or larger businesses needing some short-term space for a work contract, have leased space.

Danielle DuPree, the Ennovation Centers executive director, said the centers six shared kitchens all get used by clients, and if there was more storage space available a hope if federal funding comes through the schedule could be even fuller. The kitchens also get generally boring reports from food inspectors that is, rare and minor infractions. The food side, its rocking and rolling, and weve got a waiting list of clients, DuPree said. We make every client learn every piece of (kitchen) equipment, even if they normally wouldnt use it. I tell them I have two rules the Golden Rule (treat others as you would want to be treated), and cleanliness is next godliness. Jeff Dutzel said his catering business started coming back slowly for a year with private events. If not for some hold-ups in renovating a space on 23rd Street, Dutzel said, he already would have graduated from the Ennovation Center, so having continued access to facilities helps greatly.

This year the corporate (scheduled of events) is coming back, so thats nice, Dutzel said.

For Pickens Sweet Treats, sisters Natalie and Nanette Pickens had been selling products in small batches for a couple of years when the pandemic hit, and after they realized the need to have an online presence, their business grew.

People wanting our gift baskets that really grew, Natalie Pickens said. Because we could still be here and ship, it created whole new outlet.

Her sister said being in the Ennovation Center during the pandemic has been gratifying.

Weve been a startup for a couple years, Nanette said. We would do a lot of on-site events and recently got into wholesale. This has everything we need to run our business, for people who are ready to take that leap. Its a great place for start-ups because of the flexibility.

Sara Smith of Musketeer Home Care, which sets up home health arrangements for people, has been able to move from a cubicle to an office to a larger space in the Ennovation Center.

When I first heard of this place, I thought it was just kitchens, Smith said, and upon further investigation found it ideal.

In my business, we dont have the money for overhead, and the 24-hour access was a perk. I enjoy the whole workshare idea, she said, adding that the place has a feel of camaraderie among clients.

Near Smiths office, clients include a life coach for people with Lyme disease, a media production company, a psychiatrist for young children and a chiropractor who often travels for business. A senior benefits resource center recently moved out.

One of the ECs longest-running clients, Novus Power, started in 2008 and uses a former surgery room to make devices that produce precise timing for electronics, such as cell phone towers. Business has never wavered during the pandemic and could well continue to grow, owner Bill Kurple said. People would probably give up food before their cell phones, he joked.

DuPree said the Ennovation Center can provide office furniture, has business counseling and consultation available and is hoping to start a mentorship program involving successful businesses around the area.

I help get it up and running, with permits and everything, to become a true business, DuPree said. We like to take as much risk out of being an entrepreneur as possible.

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Ennovation Center stays busy The Examiner - Examiner