GREENVILLE, N.C. — Entrepreneurs now have a place to cultivate their ideas and build their business with minimal risk thanks to a partnership between the City of Greenville, the Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce, and East Carolina University.

Representatives from the City of Greenville Office of Economic Development joined the Chamber and ECU on Monday for a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the new Greenville SEED (Support for Entrepreneurial and Economic Development) incubator center. The ceremony was held at the Greenville SEED offices located in the Willis Building, 300 West First Street, in uptown Greenville.

Greenville SEED provides flexible space and support on a fee basis to qualified entrepreneurs and start-up companies seeking a turn-key environment. Available amenities include: a designated workspace with technology in place; a location to interact with fellow entrepreneurs; a network of experts, mentors, and consultants; educational resources; measurements to identify, track and harness success; and ongoing assistance. The space also includes access to an auditorium and conference rooms.

"This initiative provides emerging entrepreneurs with access to critical assets, capital and resources necessary to launch, grow and sustain their business," Greenville Mayor Allen Thomas said. "We can’t rely solely on recruiting new companies. To better our community, we must also grow our own successful businesses.”

The SEED incubator space for qualified start-up businesses offers a low cost lease and is available today. For more information, interested start-up companies should contact Greenville SEED at 252.757.1351.