An estimated 100 business leaders from throughout Westchester attended the recent kickoff of the county”™s new Element 46 Incubator program at which representatives of the first 12 startup companies made presentations.
The event took place at Koi Creative Space on Mamaroneck Avenue in White Plains, which is where the startups will be provided with workspace at no charge. Included in the audience hearing about the business ventures were mentors and investors.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, “By bringing together the very best entrepreneurial ideas and supporting them with the immense talent and resources of this county, I”™m confident that we”™ll be able to cultivate high-growth companies that will drive economic development for Westchester, and also serve as a great reminder of the benefits of working, living and playing right in our county.”
Marsha Gordon, president and CEO of The Business Council of Westchester, serves as co-chair of the Element 46 board of directors with the county”™s Director of Economic Development Bridget Gibbons. Gordon told the group, “The Business Council of Westchester is pleased to be working closely with the county in developing this innovative and transformative program that helps budding entrepreneurs turn their bright ideas into thriving businesses.”
Gibbons predicted, “Element 46 will have a positive impact on economic growth in communities across the county by maximizing the success of emerging, startup companies.”
The initial startups taking part in the Element 46 incubator are:
Ӣ Journeyman Bakery, a bread-by-subscription business based in Peekskill that specializes in naturally fermented (sourdough) loaves;
Ӣ Kool Nerd Club, which partners with employers to get students ready to enter the workforce;
Ӣ SilverBills, which helps clients make sure bills are paid on time and correctly;
Ӣ UAS Vues LLC, providing services related to unmanned aerial vehicles, also known as drones;
Ӣ UnderCare, which is creating undergarments that can be put on without having to bend, balance, or stand on one leg in order to get dressed;
Ӣ LEAP, formed to develop an indoor Parkour (full body workout) and obstacle training course for children;
Ӣ JackKnife Sharpening, providing residential and commercial sharpening of cutlery, gardening and other tools;
Ӣ BioSand Bag Filter Co., which was formed to supply green, affordable, continuous water filters to help in the global effort to provide ample supplies of potable water;
Ӣ Velotooler, designed to connect bicycle manufacturers with local providers to service bikes at the homes of customers;
Ӣ DF Media, a video company;
Ӣ Blue Yonder Brands Inc., which is introducing a new line of sparkling waters; and
Ӣ Beyond Flowers and Food Inc., which intends to change the way people support each other during illness, after a death and at other times.
