Two years ago entrepreneurs Brent Sharkey and Connor Evans were selected to participate in IncubatorWorks’ inaugural Co.Starter program. The 10-week program provides entrepreneurs with the insights, relationships, and tools to turn a great idea into a successful business. Brent and Connor were paired in the program but their professional partnership didn’t end there! They’ve recently collaborated on Burdett, NY’s newest taproom, Solera Tap House.
Brent Sharkey is the marketing professional and graphic designer behind Sharkey Designs who came to IncubatorWorks seeking business skills. “Being a creative person, my main challenge was the business side of owning a business. I knew nothing of what my value would be in the working community as well as handling taxes and day-to-day business bills.”
Connor Evans is the owner of Solera Tap House in Burdett, NY, and learned about IncubatorWorks at a mixer for the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce. “I have reached out to IncubatorWorks with numerous challenges. The most recent being how to develop my chart of accounts for Quickbooks.”
The two were able to “build a strong collaborative relationship in the Incubator Co.Starter Program.” according to Evans. “Connor and I worked on several class projects together and hit it off from the beginning.” shared Brent. They stayed in touch and even worked together on other projects before joining forces on Solera Tap House. Check out their feature on WENY News!
There are many benefits to working with IncubatorWorks; however the 10-15 student entrepreneurs selected for the Co.Starter Program are able to dissect key strategies of entrepreneurship, including pricing, business structure, budgeting, and sales projections. They can work with a mentor who shares the successes and challenges of the early stages of entrepreneurship. “The Co Starters program was a great avenue to open up with ideas and ask business questions you’ve always wanted the answers to.” shared Brent. “One huge benefit of working with IncubatorWorks is the networking with all of the IncubatorWorks partners. From financial institutions to business development.
IncubatorWorks is a non-profit organization committed to providing entrepreneurs and small business owners in and around New York State’s Southern Tier the resources needed to thrive and grow. Executive Director and CFO, Nancy Kirby Kurjakovic is not only a Certified Public Accountant, she has been named a Small Business Advocate by the Small Business Association (SBA). She is a certified Leadership Coach committed to the success of her community.
Learn more about how IncubatorWorks can help you in your start-up ventures by contacting us. Read more about our Co.Starters program here.
Photo credit: Brent Sharkey