Area business incubators help new businesses get off the ground

DETROIT LAKES, Minn. – In the agricultural heartland of Minnesota, the word "incubator” is likely to conjure up images of fluffy yellow chicks pecking their way out of their shells and into the world.

But in the past few years, a new kind of incubator is popping up in the region – the kind that hatches businesses.

Three business incubators have been established in the region by the Minnesota State Community and Technical College Business and Entrepreneurial Services Center, with a fourth opening in March and a fifth anticipated before the end of the year.

The incubators are designed to help new businesses get up and running by providing mentoring, training, services and low-cost space.

Mechanical engineer Kevin Disse owns and operates KGD Engineering out of the Detroit Lakes incubator. Having his business there means he can stay in his hometown and do the work he wants to do.

"The incubator is allowing me to stay in the career I want to, as well as the Detroit Lakes area,” he said.

He started at the incubator in July.

The incubators address a business reality in the rural communities, said BES Executive Director Beth Pridday, whose office is in Detroit Lakes.

Read more about these business incubators