History

Technology Plus of Mankato, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization under the direction of the City of Mankato, was responsible for the execution of Community Access, classroom rentals and the business incubator program. In 2005, the Technology Plus Board of Directors concluded that the obligations of the organization had been fulfilled with the exception of the incubator program. The board entered into a strategic alliance with Greater Mankato Economic Development Corporation (GMEDC) - now known as Greater Mankato Growth (GMG), to develop and deliver the incubator program. GMG assembled a Design Team, which through a series of dialogues crafted the notion of a more comprehensive business development support entity (a "toolbox") inclusive of traditional incubator activity (a "tool") which they labeled the Business Accelerator. Under GMG's recommendation, the more narrow focus of developing an incubator was discontinued and the more comprehensive and robust approach of the Business Accelerator was supported. As a result of the collaboration between Technology Plus of Mankato, Inc. and GMG, Technology Plus dissolved and GMG entered into an agreement with the City of Mankato to deliver business start-up services through the Business Accelerator program.

In the agreement between the City of Mankato and GMG, both entities committed to and collaboratively fund the Business Accelerator program. As part of the agreement, the City of Mankato provides resources to GMG including funding, a staff person and space for meetings and business start-ups.

Design Team