Congrats to our friends and colleagues at the abi Innovation Hub on their recent relaunch – here’s a press release that gives the entire scoop on the kickoff event:
The abi Innovation Hub (abi Hub) held a relaunch event on March 31, 2011 to celebrate its’ new vision. About 70 people, who have some connection or interest in the world of start ups, attended the event. They were invited to self tour the abi Hub, a 15,000 square foot facility, while enjoying beverages and edibles. The abi Hub embraces a vibrant look with inspirational wall hangings of photos and quotes from innovators and entrepreneurs who have paved the way for all entrepreneurs.
“The abi Hub is all about ideas, innovation and impact,” says Jamie Coughlin, vice president of strategic initiatives and entrepreneur in residence, “and we wanted our décor to reflect that view.”
The event included a presentation kicked off by Coughlin, who clarified the mission of the abi Hub. “We’re here to nurture high growth startups and create an environment where entrepreneurs have access to the resources, connections, experience, and capital to support the journey of putting ideas into action. We want this to be a place that embraces all things entrepreneurial, a community of innovation.”
The abi Hub, located in the Manchester Millyard, boasts 15,000 square feet of space. There are thirty-five full time offices ranging from 150 to 500 square feet. There are currently two units available for rent. In addition to traditional offices, there is co-working space. “We recognize that in today’s world many businesses launch from non-conventional spaces and we wanted to have options in place that would suit their needs,” said Coughlin, “and, it’s very affordable, starting at $100/month.”
There are currently 20 full time businesses and fifteen co-working residents that call the abi Hub home. Whether full time or part time, all residents are embraced into the abi Hub entrepreneurial community. The abi Hub also has shared space, including private meeting rooms and a conference room that includes impressive audio/visual equipment that can be used by all members.
Scott Merrick of U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen's Office receives thanks from abi Innovation Hub Vice President of Operations Michele Petersen after he read a statement from Senator Shaheen.
Michele Petersen, vice president of operations followed Coughlin’s presentation. “As a result of the support by U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, we’re fortunate to have received an SBA grant that serves two purposes. The first was to “tech up the place” which we’ve definitely done. The second is to pursue a Soft Landing’s Designation, provided by the National Business Incubator Association.” This status says to the community that the abi Hub is a great place for an international company to land a business.” Although Senator Shaheen was unable to attend the relaunch event, she sent a written statement, which was read by Shaheen office staffer Scott Merrick.
The presentation continued with representatives of two abi Hub resident companies highlighting their businesses. The first was Kent Murphy from Accreon, an information technology and business solutions company based out of New Brunswick, Canada, where they employ 100 people. Accreon has a 20 year history in the information technology and business solutions industry. They work with clients throughout the Maritime Provinces, Ontario and the United States, and have successfully established themselves as a leader in their industry. They look forward to replicating that same success here. Murphy expressed enthusiasm for the initiation of their first US office in Manchester and the good fortune of having discovered the abi Hub. To learn more about Accreon, visit www.accreon.com
The second abi Hub resident speaker was Derek Hopkins, president & CEO of Liquid Health Labs, Inc. This company is part of the fastest growing category of the nutrition industry, the functional beverage market. The company has successfully introduced PowerCap to the market, a patented cap filled with nutritional supplements and additives that you infuse into consumable liquids. Hopkins demonstrated the product by removing a cap from a bottle of water, replacing it with the PowerCap, pushing down on the top and releasing the supplements into the water. The end result was an instantly enhanced beverage. For more information visit www.mypowercap.com.
Bruce Wilson, president & CEO of Cellular Specialties, Inc. also took part in the presentation. Coughlin concluded by thanking event sponsors, which comprised the abi Hub board of directors, Matt Pierson and the Boston Beer Company, and asking all in attendance to consider how they might become involved. After the presentation, attendees continued touring, networking and enjoying the refreshments, with the exciting energy continuing late into the evening.
Congrats abi Innovation Hub!