What We Do
We Create Environments for Business Growth & Workforce Development
In order to build the best Ada, every sector has to work together. Through partnerships with local organizations, we’re able to provide support in the following areas:
Rural Innovation
Startup Ada Bootcamp
This program helps entrepreneurs go from idea to pitching potential investors in just six weeks.
The Big Pitch
Our pitch competition gives entrepreneurs an opportunity to present their business ideas before a panel of experts. The best pitches win cash prizes to help bring their idea to fruition.
Build to Scale
Tech Ecosystem Development and Culture Building
We support tech-based entrepreneurship through events, networking, media, and community leadership roundtables.
Technology Accelerator
Our signature 12-week, cohort-based program is designed to help early stage companies get to market, connect with mentors, and pitch to investors.
Investor Outreach & Support
We work hard to recruit, inform, and engage investors in our region. We provide support through workshops on non-equity sources of capital, including federal SIBR/STTR programs.
Local Business Growth
Business Retention & Expansion
We work closely with local companies to grow and create new quality jobs. Through on-site visits, surveys, and partnerships – we can help remove barriers to growth.
Workforce Development Strategy
Growing Ada means addressing the critical need for quality talent in Manufacturing, Healthcare, IT, and STEM fields. To do that, we build career pathways between private employers, education services, and community partners.
Economic Research Analyses
We’re committed to helping local businesses and one unique way is to conduct economic, labor, and market research analyses. We comb through public and private data as well as conduct local employment and wage surveys.
Local Incentives
We help expanding companies through two unique incentives designed to cover net, new jobs, and new capital or infrastructure expenses over the course of 5 years.
Community Development
Business Improvement Grant (BIG)
In order to support local businesses, enhance the historic character of Ada, and create investments for the future – we provide a matching $5,000 grant for structural improvements in the downtown and Main Street area of Ada.
Community Housing & Neighborhood Initiative
Currently in the planning and research phase, our aim is to improve Ada’s neighborhoods and housing through public and private investment, community engagement, and placemaking.
Community Development Research & Technical Assistance
We support community members, stakeholders, and local government through planning-related research and assistance in the following areas:
- Housing condition surveys
- Walkability audits
- Small-area plans
- Site development feasibility analyses
- Infrastructure impact assessments