History

The idea of an innovation center in Joplin was born in 2001. A taskforce of local community leaders was formed to seek the best possible options for developing long range plans. The first task facing the newly formed committee was to seek ways of funding the project. A fundraising sub-committee recommended a two path solution. An application to receive federal funds from the U.S. Economic Development Administration was granted. The grant application, in the amount of $1.2 million dollars, required local financial support that equaled one half of the funds. Over $700,000 was raised locally from foreward thinking individuals and businesses. The construction process to rehabilitate the 1912, two story, brick building began in early 2005. Completion of the first phase of the project was late January of 2006.  

 Facility

The 11,000 sq. ft. facility offers leased space for office, manufacturing and wet labs. Shared resources will be available to all of the tenants. The center will offer two conference rooms that will be use by the tenants as well as meeting rooms for client and community outreach.

The top floor consists of five private or semi-private office spaces. The largest office is approximately 484 sq. ft and the smallest has a foot print of 108 sq. ft.. A large open space room (1,056 sq. ft.) contains fifteen professional office cubicles. The modern and fully functioned cubicles, have lockable drawers and file cabinet, overhead book bins and a spacious table top. Height of the standard cubicle walls is 66 inches. This height allows for a modest amount of personal privacy.

Common areas on the top floor includes, kitchen/breakroom with two high top lunch tables and eight chairs, restrooms, computer server room and modern conference room. The conference room has an executive table with ten comfortable chairs. The conference room can be used on a regularly reserved basis, hourly or drop-in for quick conferences.

The bottom floor consists of two light manufacturing spaces, a conference room and two wet labs. Each manufacturing space contains approximately 900 sq. ft.. Both wet labs have about 900 sq. ft. of available work space. The conference room will feature the same configuration as the top floor.

All tenants will have access to our VoIP telephone system. Tenants will have their own telephone number which can follow them once they gradutate from the center. Tenants will be responsible for their own telephone bills. High speed internet access is available at no additional charge.

The building has a dedicated room containing a full feature copy machine and fax machine.

The kitchen area contains cabinets, countertop and sink, refridgerator, microwave oven, vending machines, two high top lunch tables and eight chairs. This room is a perfect spot to eat lunch or take a quick break and talk with your peers.

Mission Statement:

The purpose of an innovation center is to create a positive environment for developing, supporting and promoting entrepreneurs; with an emphasis on those pursuing innovative technology.

Lease Information

All leases will be based on month by month renewal. Generally, no longer term leases are required. Some tenants may be required or wish to consider a long term contract. This is available on a case by case basis. Long term contracts are usually associated with companies that have special operating needs, typically associated with structural changes to the building or a license contract required by local, state or federal law. Other issues may affect a lease contract.

Lease Rates

Rental fees are based on several factors. All rental space is based on square footage or a percentage of total square footage. Office, light manufacturing and wet lab space fees are based on total square footage. Lease for cubicles are based on a percentage of square footage. Because of special needs required by independent businesses, fees can not be posted on this site. Contact our staff to review your needs.

Center Services 

The center was develop to give entrepreneurs, in their start up phase, assistance and direction. Shared services allows a new company to postpone expences that would traditionally be needed during the start up phase.  Shared services allows a new business owner to concentrate on their product and less on physical distractions.

Shared services include:
   Common reception area 
   Modern conference and board room
   High-speed Internet Access
   VoIP telephone system
   Voice message system
   Break Room
   Synergy environment

Professional services include:     
   Access to professional services
   Personalized support
   Management review
   Business review
   Local Networking opportunities
   Missouri Innovation Support
   Special programs

 Committee, Advisory Board and Options

The Center is governed by a Committee. An Advisory Board is also utilized to give professional comments to the Committee as well as support for the tenants. The Center offers a special bonus feature that can be utilized by a tenant. If the tenant agrees to certain requirements, the tenant will be given permission to publicly announce that the Center's board is also their own personal Advisory Board or Board of Directors. This service allows the tenant to show their clients that their business is operating with the advise of professionals in the community. Their assigned board can be promoted on company stationairy or business card. Requirements for this option can be discussed during the application process.

Web Page Disclaimer