Indian Hills receives business incubator grant

OTTUMWA ? The Ottumwa Legacy Foundation has announced that a $350,000 grant has been awarded to Indian Hills Community College to assist in the construction of a business incubator proposed for the north workforce campus. 

?The Legacy Foundation is committed to improving community vitality through better jobs, education and opportunity. We feel the concept of a business incubator coupled with the location at the north campus is a near perfect way of leveraging the resources available in the area.  Particularly those that are of interest to an entrepreneur such as access to a fiber optic network, the nearby airport and easy access to the highway to name a few? said Brad Little, president and CEO of the Legacy Foundation. 

?We are thrilled the Legacy Foundation has chosen to support this regional, collaborative approach as this project now includes support from Wapello County, the Ottumwa Rotary Club and Indian Hills Community College,? said Bob Morrissey with Indian Hills. 

A proposal is being finalized for submittal to the Economic Development Administration to be considered for an EDA construction grant which would be the capstone piece for a regional Business Incubator to enhance opportunities for new business start-ups in our area.

?One of the greatest strengths our application will possess is the support we have received from our partners, which includes county government, a civic organization, and a foundation? Morrissey stated, ?Few applications will feature that level of  local support, we are deeply appreciative of the friendship and support offered to this initiative for the betterment of our community.?

For those interested in learning more about the Ottumwa Regional Legacy Foundation, call 641-455-5260 or access the foundation?s website at www.orlf.org.