INC Connect launched in partnership with Proof Programs
The new program provides a thoughtful, low-barrier entry point into the INCubator’s larger entrepreneurial pipeline.
The INCubator at the Hamilton County Business Development Center, a program of the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce, has announced the launch of INC Connect, a new makerspace initiative created in partnership with Proof Programs. The initiative supports early stage manufacturing and product-based entrepreneurs—especially those still in the ideation and prototyping phases—by offering affordable space, light production capacity, and hands-on mentorship.
INC Connect provides a thoughtful, low-barrier entry point into the INCubator’s larger entrepreneurial pipeline. Housed in Chattanooga’s 127,000-square-foot mixed-use facility, the program offers participants co-working and training space, peer accountability, and a community of like-minded makers and innovators. The space is especially suited for founders who don’t require extensive infrastructure like floor drains or industrial kitchen setups but still need room to safely test and build their products.
“Over the past year, I’ve met countless manufacturing and product-based founders with promising ideas but nowhere to begin — no garage, no extra room, and no safe space to test and build,” said Marcherie Savage, Director of Entrepreneurial Development at the INCubator. “INC Connect is our response to that need. As a program of the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce, the INCubator exists to help businesses grow and scale, and this new makerspace fills a long-standing gap in our pipeline. It gives early-stage entrepreneurs access to affordable space, structure, and mentorship during one of the most fragile stages of building a business. INC Connect reflects our commitment to meeting entrepreneurs where they are, and I’m honored to be a part of shaping this next chapter for our local startup ecosystem. I’m especially grateful to Proof Incubator for believing in this vision and stepping in as a strategic partner to help bring it to life.”
Through this collaboration, Proof will provide in-person and virtual mentorship, monthly client progress reports, and at least four tailored educational events per year. These workshops will focus on core business development areas such as compliance, branding, funding, and go-to-market strategy.
INC Connect is now accepting applications from entrepreneurs in the ideation stage through the first two years of business development. Product-based and light manufacturing startups that are not yet ready for full commercial space are encouraged to apply.
To learn more or submit an application, click on this link.
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