✨ 7 Days of Small Business Cheer with IncubatorWorks ✨ Day 6: Lunch Cheer Continued 🥣☕
We’re continuing the lunch cheer with a visit to Canaseraga Soup and Coffee Co. "The Pot Spot" in Canaseraga in Allegany County, thanks to a stop by IncubatorWorks Program Manager Kim Barres.
This visit is a great reminder that IncubatorWorks supports entrepreneurs across Chemung, Steuben, Schuyler, Allegany, Cattaraugus, and surrounding counties, showing up for small businesses throughout the region.
Supporting local restaurants helps strengthen rural communities and reinforces the connections that make our region thrive!
📍 Canaseraga Soup & Coffee Co. (The Pot Spot) 64 Main Street Canaseraga, NY 14822 ... See MoreSee Less
✨ 7 Days of Small Business Cheer with IncubatorWorks ✨ Day 5: Lunch Cheer 🥗🍲 (Part one of two!)
Today’s Small Business Cheer spotlight goes to LaTeka Davis, Co.Starters and Business Plan graduate, and the heart behind The Juice Collective, LLC.
We’re spreading lunch cheer with some truly delicious offerings including LaTeka’s beautiful bento boxes and the fan-favorite Marry Me Chicken soup (highly recommended… yum!). LaTeka’s creativity, care, and dedication shine in every detail, making The Juice Collective a must-try for anyone craving fresh, flavorful meals.
And a special shoutout: Happy birthday, Teka! 🎉💛
📍 The Juice Collective 149 W Gray Street Elmira, NY ... See MoreSee Less
✨ 7 Days of Small Business Cheer with IncubatorWorks ✨ Day 4: Breakfast Cheer 🥖☕
Today we’re sharing breakfast cheer with Wholly Loaves Bakery in Horseheads, NY, founded by Co.Starters and Business Plan graduate Kim Spencer-Lefebvre.
Wholly Loaves is known for its delicious bagels, breads, breakfast sandwiches, and baked goods that people keep coming back for. Kim built her business with a lot of hard work and dedication, and we’re proud to support her entrepreneurial journey.
✨ 7 Days of Small Business Cheer with IncubatorWorks ✨ Day 3: Makerspace Cheer 🛠️
Today, we’re highlighting the IncubatorWorks Makerspace and the person who helps bring so many creative ideas to life: Ed Bond, Makerspace Coordinator, Co.Starters Cohort 1 graduate, and founder of MetaDreams LLC.
Did you know that Co.Starters participants have access to the IncubatorWorks Makerspace? Entrepreneurs can use the space to create prototypes, signage for their businesses, and other custom items that help turn ideas into reality. Ed is the one who makes the magic happen, supporting entrepreneurs as they design, build, and experiment.
📍 IncubatorWorks Elmira Makerspace 318 Madison Avenue Elmira, NY
If you’re interested in creating something in the Makerspace, reach out to Ed at ebond@incworks.org.
Supporting entrepreneurs means providing the tools and support they need to grow, and the Makerspace is a big part of that mission. ... See MoreSee Less
IncubatorWorks is proud to support Emmi’s work with a toy donation for her upcoming community events this weekend. Emmi and her team are hosting two free events, and all are welcome:
Holiday Community Day Photos with Santa, kids activities, and hot cocoa Ernie Davis Community Center 📍 350 E. 5th St., Elmira, NY Noon–4:00 PM
Free Community Shopping Day Gently used and some new items available Free gift wrapping (limited bags, bringing your own is encouraged) Ernie Davis Community Center 📍 350 E. 5th St., Elmira, NY Noon–4:00 PM
Everyone deserves a little extra care during the holidays, and Runway for a Cause helps make that possible for so many in our community. If you’re able, donated items are welcome for Sunday’s free shopping day: not required, but always appreciated.
Questions? Reach out to: runwayforacause2020@gmail.com or follow Runway for a Cause
Thank you, Emmi, for leading with compassion and community! ... See MoreSee Less
✨ 7 Days of Small Business Cheer with IncubatorWorks ✨ Day 1: Coffee Cheer ☕
This holiday season, IncubatorWorks is sharing 7 Days of Small Business Cheer: a daily highlight of local entrepreneurs we’re proud to support!
We’re kicking things off with a warm cup of coffee from Holy Grounds Coffee Shop. Co.Starters and Business Plan graduate Tina Smith infuses her joy and passion for coffee into the welcoming culture at Holy Grounds every day. Supporting small businesses like Holy Grounds is one of the many ways we build a connected, vibrant community year-round.
📍 Holy Grounds 2081 Lake Road Elmira, NY
And if you attend our Coffee & Conversation networking events at the Elmira Incubator, you can sip on Tina’s coffee while connecting with fellow entrepreneurs. Stay tuned for our January event!
Cheers to small businesses that make our community feel like home! How are you shopping small this holiday season? ... See MoreSee Less
✨Staff Spotlight: Filomena Lisi Jack, Program Director✨
Filomena Jack is our newest team member at IncubatorWorks, stepping into the role of Program Director, and she’s officially two days in! Even in that short time, her passion for entrepreneurship and community connection is already shining through.
Filomena began her career in education and curriculum development at Goldman Sachs in NYC, where she designed and delivered innovative learning programs for emerging professionals. During this time, she discovered a passion for empowering students to approach challenges with creativity and critical thinking, fostering problem-solving skills that extend beyond traditional methods.
Entrepreneurship has always been part of Filomena’s life. Growing up, she watched her family successfully run a variety of businesses, which sparked her own entrepreneurial journey. Joining IncubatorWorks feels like a natural fit, bringing together her lifelong experience as an entrepreneur and her love for building meaningful connections within the community.
When it comes to local events, Filomena has a soft spot for vegan food festivals. Some of her favorites include events in Asbury Park, New Jersey, and right here in Watkins Glen at Farm Sanctuary.
Outside of work, Filomena loves getting creative by painting large walls and windows, finding joy in turning blank spaces into something special. She can roller skate pretty darn well, too! On her bucket list is a dream to explore gardens around the world. She’s already visited some beautiful ones and is excited to keep adding more to the list.
“Be the peace you seek” is a quote that guides Filomena and captures the calm, reflective energy she brings to her role and beyond.
We’re thrilled to welcome Filomena to the IncubatorWorks team and can’t wait to see the impact she’ll make in her new role! ... See MoreSee Less
The holidays aren't just a time for reflection--they're a time for imagining what’s possible in the year ahead! If 2026 is the year you want to start or grow your business, our upcoming Co.Starters class can help you take the next step with confidence.
Join us for a 6-week Zoom session from 6:00–8:00 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning March 10. The course fee is $50.
Start the new year empowered! The application link is in the comments. ... See MoreSee Less
See you tomorrow at 9 AM for Coffee & Conversations at the Elmira Incubator!
Hear from Makerspace Coordinator Ed Bond about running a successful Kickstarter, and enjoy coffee from Holy Grounds Coffee Shop. Don’t miss it! ... See MoreSee Less
Liane sought out IncubatorWorks as her final career move before her “real” retirement—and the timing could not have been more serendipitous. We had just secured two grants and were eager to expand our team. Hiring her was an unwavering decision. Her transition from the academic world to the nonprofit sector was seamless, and our team couldn’t be prouder to have been part of her “retirement gig.”
I recently read an article in The Wall Street Journal about “glue employees.” Liane was—and is—one of them.
She is the glue that connects ideas and people. The glue that quite literally and figuratively puts 2 + 2 together with her number-crunching skills. The glue that balances the fun parts of the job with the strategic and even the politically adjacent parts.
What we have at IncubatorWorks is special. Our team doesn’t break apart when someone moves on to their next chapter. Instead, we become a more diversified network—stretched across new geographies and life changes—yet always able to find a reason to come back together. Whether for friendship or for supporting our entrepreneurial community in the Southern Tier, the ties remain strong.
As Executive Director, I am both humbled and excited for Liane as she enters her “go-go years,” as she lovingly calls them. I’m happy for her next chapter—while also trying not to feel the inevitable poke of grief that comes when an extraordinary leader retires.
We will miss her dearly—and will continue teasing her that we can’t follow her wonderful “go-go” travels because she still doesn’t have Facebook!
Thank you, Liane, for being such a meaningful part of the IncubatorWorks growth story. We simply could not have done it this well without you. ... See MoreSee Less
✨ 7 Days of Small Business Cheer with IncubatorWorks ✨
Day 6: Lunch Cheer Continued 🥣☕
We’re continuing the lunch cheer with a visit to Canaseraga Soup and Coffee Co. "The Pot Spot" in Canaseraga in Allegany County, thanks to a stop by IncubatorWorks Program Manager Kim Barres.
This visit is a great reminder that IncubatorWorks supports entrepreneurs across Chemung, Steuben, Schuyler, Allegany, Cattaraugus, and surrounding counties, showing up for small businesses throughout the region.
Supporting local restaurants helps strengthen rural communities and reinforces the connections that make our region thrive!
📍 Canaseraga Soup & Coffee Co. (The Pot Spot)
64 Main Street
Canaseraga, NY 14822 ... See MoreSee Less
✨ 7 Days of Small Business Cheer with IncubatorWorks ✨
Day 5: Lunch Cheer 🥗🍲 (Part one of two!)
Today’s Small Business Cheer spotlight goes to LaTeka Davis, Co.Starters and Business Plan graduate, and the heart behind The Juice Collective, LLC.
We’re spreading lunch cheer with some truly delicious offerings including LaTeka’s beautiful bento boxes and the fan-favorite Marry Me Chicken soup (highly recommended… yum!). LaTeka’s creativity, care, and dedication shine in every detail, making The Juice Collective a must-try for anyone craving fresh, flavorful meals.
And a special shoutout: Happy birthday, Teka! 🎉💛
📍 The Juice Collective
149 W Gray Street
Elmira, NY ... See MoreSee Less
✨ 7 Days of Small Business Cheer with IncubatorWorks ✨
Day 4: Breakfast Cheer 🥖☕
Today we’re sharing breakfast cheer with Wholly Loaves Bakery in Horseheads, NY, founded by Co.Starters and Business Plan graduate Kim Spencer-Lefebvre.
Wholly Loaves is known for its delicious bagels, breads, breakfast sandwiches, and baked goods that people keep coming back for. Kim built her business with a lot of hard work and dedication, and we’re proud to support her entrepreneurial journey.
📍 Wholly Loaves
103 S Main Street
Horseheads, NY
Support local. Eat tasty bagels. 🍞💛💙 ... See MoreSee Less
✨ 7 Days of Small Business Cheer with IncubatorWorks ✨
Day 3: Makerspace Cheer 🛠️
Today, we’re highlighting the IncubatorWorks Makerspace and the person who helps bring so many creative ideas to life: Ed Bond, Makerspace Coordinator, Co.Starters Cohort 1 graduate, and founder of MetaDreams LLC.
Did you know that Co.Starters participants have access to the IncubatorWorks Makerspace? Entrepreneurs can use the space to create prototypes, signage for their businesses, and other custom items that help turn ideas into reality. Ed is the one who makes the magic happen, supporting entrepreneurs as they design, build, and experiment.
📍 IncubatorWorks Elmira Makerspace
318 Madison Avenue
Elmira, NY
If you’re interested in creating something in the Makerspace, reach out to Ed at ebond@incworks.org.
Supporting entrepreneurs means providing the tools and support they need to grow, and the Makerspace is a big part of that mission. ... See MoreSee Less
✨ 7 Days of Small Business Cheer with IncubatorWorks ✨
Day 2: Community Care Cheer 💛💙
Today, we’re highlighting Co.Starters graduate Emmi Saufley, founder of Runway for a Cause of the Southern Tier, and the care she brings to our community, especially during the holiday season.
IncubatorWorks is proud to support Emmi’s work with a toy donation for her upcoming community events this weekend.
Emmi and her team are hosting two free events, and all are welcome:
Holiday Community Day
Photos with Santa, kids activities, and hot cocoa
Ernie Davis Community Center
📍 350 E. 5th St., Elmira, NY
Noon–4:00 PM
Free Community Shopping Day
Gently used and some new items available
Free gift wrapping (limited bags, bringing your own is encouraged)
Ernie Davis Community Center
📍 350 E. 5th St., Elmira, NY
Noon–4:00 PM
Everyone deserves a little extra care during the holidays, and Runway for a Cause helps make that possible for so many in our community. If you’re able, donated items are welcome for Sunday’s free shopping day: not required, but always appreciated.
Questions?
Reach out to: runwayforacause2020@gmail.com
or follow Runway for a Cause
Thank you, Emmi, for leading with compassion and community! ... See MoreSee Less
✨ 7 Days of Small Business Cheer with IncubatorWorks ✨
Day 1: Coffee Cheer ☕
This holiday season, IncubatorWorks is sharing 7 Days of Small Business Cheer: a daily highlight of local entrepreneurs we’re proud to support!
We’re kicking things off with a warm cup of coffee from Holy Grounds Coffee Shop. Co.Starters and Business Plan graduate Tina Smith infuses her joy and passion for coffee into the welcoming culture at Holy Grounds every day. Supporting small businesses like Holy Grounds is one of the many ways we build a connected, vibrant community year-round.
📍 Holy Grounds
2081 Lake Road
Elmira, NY
And if you attend our Coffee & Conversation networking events at the Elmira Incubator, you can sip on Tina’s coffee while connecting with fellow entrepreneurs. Stay tuned for our January event!
Cheers to small businesses that make our community feel like home! How are you shopping small this holiday season? ... See MoreSee Less
✨Staff Spotlight: Filomena Lisi Jack, Program Director✨
Filomena Jack is our newest team member at IncubatorWorks, stepping into the role of Program Director, and she’s officially two days in! Even in that short time, her passion for entrepreneurship and community connection is already shining through.
Filomena began her career in education and curriculum development at Goldman Sachs in NYC, where she designed and delivered innovative learning programs for emerging professionals. During this time, she discovered a passion for empowering students to approach challenges with creativity and critical thinking, fostering problem-solving skills that extend beyond traditional methods.
Entrepreneurship has always been part of Filomena’s life. Growing up, she watched her family successfully run a variety of businesses, which sparked her own entrepreneurial journey. Joining IncubatorWorks feels like a natural fit, bringing together her lifelong experience as an entrepreneur and her love for building meaningful connections within the community.
When it comes to local events, Filomena has a soft spot for vegan food festivals. Some of her favorites include events in Asbury Park, New Jersey, and right here in Watkins Glen at Farm Sanctuary.
Outside of work, Filomena loves getting creative by painting large walls and windows, finding joy in turning blank spaces into something special. She can roller skate pretty darn well, too! On her bucket list is a dream to explore gardens around the world. She’s already visited some beautiful ones and is excited to keep adding more to the list.
“Be the peace you seek” is a quote that guides Filomena and captures the calm, reflective energy she brings to her role and beyond.
We’re thrilled to welcome Filomena to the IncubatorWorks team and can’t wait to see the impact she’ll make in her new role! ... See MoreSee Less
The holidays aren't just a time for reflection--they're a time for imagining what’s possible in the year ahead! If 2026 is the year you want to start or grow your business, our upcoming Co.Starters class can help you take the next step with confidence.
Join us for a 6-week Zoom session from 6:00–8:00 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning March 10. The course fee is $50.
Start the new year empowered! The application link is in the comments. ... See MoreSee Less
See you tomorrow at 9 AM for Coffee & Conversations at the Elmira Incubator!
Hear from Makerspace Coordinator Ed Bond about running a successful Kickstarter, and enjoy coffee from Holy Grounds Coffee Shop. Don’t miss it! ... See MoreSee Less
This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.Liane sought out IncubatorWorks as her final career move before her “real” retirement—and the timing could not have been more serendipitous. We had just secured two grants and were eager to expand our team. Hiring her was an unwavering decision. Her transition from the academic world to the nonprofit sector was seamless, and our team couldn’t be prouder to have been part of her “retirement gig.”
I recently read an article in The Wall Street Journal about “glue employees.”
Liane was—and is—one of them.
She is the glue that connects ideas and people. The glue that quite literally and figuratively puts 2 + 2 together with her number-crunching skills. The glue that balances the fun parts of the job with the strategic and even the politically adjacent parts.
What we have at IncubatorWorks is special. Our team doesn’t break apart when someone moves on to their next chapter. Instead, we become a more diversified network—stretched across new geographies and life changes—yet always able to find a reason to come back together. Whether for friendship or for supporting our entrepreneurial community in the Southern Tier, the ties remain strong.
As Executive Director, I am both humbled and excited for Liane as she enters her “go-go years,” as she lovingly calls them. I’m happy for her next chapter—while also trying not to feel the inevitable poke of grief that comes when an extraordinary leader retires.
We will miss her dearly—and will continue teasing her that we can’t follow her wonderful “go-go” travels because she still doesn’t have Facebook!
Thank you, Liane, for being such a meaningful part of the IncubatorWorks growth story. We simply could not have done it this well without you. ... See MoreSee Less