Business Incubator Struggles to Stay Afloat

CHARLOTTE-The West Charlotte Business Incubator may be on its death bed if it doesn’t get a quick shot of green and a truckload of new tenants.

The city has severed ties with the project. Bank of America, First Union Corp. and other major contributors are no longer donors. The project’s finances have been questioned by the city, at various times, since 1991.

In an effort to prop up the struggling enterprise, the West Charlotte Merchants Association has installed Colleen Bush as manager, replacing community activist Louise Sellers.

he 10,000-sf building houses only six tenants in space that was developed for 18 users. Rents are $275 to $650 monthly for suites from 230 sf to 700 sf.

The incubator started in the early 1990s with $750,000 in loans, corporate sponsorships and private donations.