Cornerstone Realty and SIEDC launch South Shore Business Incubator

June 17, 2016 - Last year, the SIEDC recognized that the number of business incubators on Staten Island were not keeping pace with the rest of the city. Staten Islands' south shore with some of the longest commute times for professionals in the city and with a dearth of quality, affordable office space the idea was developed for a business incubator to be formed.

With the SIEDC receiving a grant from Empire State Development to develop an incubator plan for the South Shore towns of Great Kills, Eltingville and Annadale - which comprise the South Shore Business Improvement District and forming a partnership with Frank Rizzo of Cornerstone Realty at their site at 847 Annadale Road the South Shore Business Incubator and the Annadale Business Center was formed and recently launched.

"We are truly excited to have launched a first-of-its-kind project with Frank Rizzo. This is the first shared workspace and incubator program on the South Shore and is in the heart of downtown Annadale. Frank did a great job restoring the space and this is a great opportunity to show what a partnership between start-up firms, a local developer and a non-profit can do."

"We look forward to helping these new companies develop critical skills for business through programs, mentoring sessions, marketing and networking. This will truly be a unique project for the South Shore and will help many businesses transition from start-up to operating on their own."

With membership levels starting at $99 per month, the opportunity for small and start up business to feature a professional Class A location at an affordable entry price is there. "It wasn't too long ago that I started my business from home and I remember how important it was for me to have my own location to meet clients, rather than a coffee shop or a diner." stated Frank Rizzo. "We developed this flex space so other businesses could utilize the space, collaborate with other like minded individuals and get the tools they need to grow their business. Partnering with the SIEDC, gives the businesses who enter the incubator program a world class marketing team and provides them with the additional exposure that is tremendous for a new business."

Prior to the official launch 3 businesses had entered in to the program. With a grand opening planned in the coming weeks, the SIEDC and Cornerstone Realty are looking forward to a successful program meeting the business needs for the mid-island and south shore of Staten Island. You can find more information on the South Shore Business Incubator @ the Annadale Business Center at www.annadalebc.com or by calling 718 447 8100.