News Summary
Syracuse’s business incubator, formerly known as The Tech Garden, has been rebranded as the INSPYRE Innovation Hub. This new name reflects a commitment to fostering innovation and growth among entrepreneurs beyond just the tech industry. A major expansion is planned that will double its size, enhancing support for startups. The annual meeting celebrated local businesses with awards, showcasing the thriving entrepreneurial spirit within the community.
Syracuse Steers into a Bright Future with INSPYRE Innovation Hub!
Exciting things are happening in Syracuse as the city’s well-known business incubator has just received a shiny new name—INSPYRE Innovation Hub. Formerly recognized as The Tech Garden, the new moniker was revealed at CenterState CEO’s annual meeting held on a sunny Wednesday afternoon. The name change marks a fresh chapter for the incubator, expanding its mission to support a wide array of budding entrepreneurs, venturing beyond just the tech realm!
What’s in a Name?
So, why the name INSPYRE? The choice is all about driving curiosity, innovation, and growth. The letter ‘Y’ is particularly significant, as it highlights the critical question of “why” that inspires creativity and progress. Plus, it has a special connection to Syracuse itself, celebrating the city’s roots while looking toward its promising future. And if you keep an eye out, you’ll notice the chic new icon for the hub is angled at 31.5 degrees—yet another neat nod to the local area code, 315!
A Stalwart in Startup Support
Located at 235 Harrison St., the INSPYRE Innovation Hub stands as a beacon for entrepreneurs! This place is not just a physical space but a network of programs, services, mentorships, and access to funding designed to help startups flourish. Strong relationships among tenants are nurtured here, who enjoy shared meeting spaces and the invaluable guidance of seasoned entrepreneurs.
In a remarkable growth trajectory, plans are underway for a massive $32 million expansion that will more than double the hub’s size to a whopping 91,000 square feet. Once completed, slated for late summer 2025, the INSPYRE Innovation Hub will become the largest business incubator in New York State—now that’s something to be proud of!
Celebrating Success
At this year’s annual meeting, over 750 attendees came together to witness the rebranding and also honor the remarkable businesses in the community with Business of the Year Awards. The award categories spanned from large to small businesses and included commendations for nonprofits and community involvement! Here’s how the honors shook out:
- More than 50 Employees: VIP Structures. Finalists: Hidden Level Inc. and Lotte Biologics USA LLC.
- Fewer than 50 Employees: Home Sweet Home Cleaning and Gardening LLC. Finalists: Chimera Integrations and ConsciousHR.
- Nonprofit: Oswego County Federal Credit Union. Finalists: Loretto and YMCA of Central New York.
- Community Involvement: Upstate Medical University. Finalists: AmeriCU Credit Union and Equitable.
- Minority-owned Business Award: L Stacks Construction Co. Finalists: Champions Martial Arts Inc. and Cuse Culture Media Group.
Focus on the Future
Since its launch in 2005 in a former collapsed parking garage, the incubator has been a launching pad for countless successful businesses. Some noteworthy graduates include Digital Hyve, Ephesus Lighting,, and TCGplayer—each a testament to what innovation and hard work can achieve.
As the city of Syracuse embraces this new chapter at the INSPYRE Innovation Hub, the future looks stunningly bright for entrepreneurs ready to take on their dreams. With expanded facilities and a renewed focus on what inspires, this hub is set to awaken the creative spirit in the community and beyond.
Who knows? The next big name in the business world could be just around the corner!
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Additional Resources
- Syracuse.com: INSPYRE Innovation Hub Rebrand
- Wikipedia: Business incubator
- Syracuse.com: Prosecutors Say NY Guards Covered Up Inmate’s Death
- Google Search: Business Incubator News
- 13WHAM: Semiconductor Superhighway
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Business Incubator
