You probably know what an incubator is.

It is usually equipment that provides the perfect environment and conditions for an egg to grow and develop. Eventually because of the safety of the incubator, the egg is able to hatch into a chick and go out on its own.

What you may not know is that the Niles Historic Business District has its very own incubator, and our incubator does essentially the same thing — not for chicks, but for early-stage businesses. Our historic business district incubator provides ideal conditions for entrepreneurs who want to produce and bring their culinary products to the wholesale market.

It is known as NECI, or Niles Entrepreneurial and Culinary Incubator.

Leader Publications partnered with Niles DDA Main Street in 2010 to create NECI. NECI is located at 219 North Fourth Street on the second floor. Some of us fondly remember that location as the Pickwick Club. Niles DDA Main Street made necessary modifications to the kitchen, which was approved for use as a production kitchen in August of 2011.

Entrepreneurs are able to rent NECI’s kitchen for a nominal fee. In addition to space, they are given access to Michigan State University’s Production Center, which assists them with testing and labeling. MSU helps the “fledgling” products pass inspection and become licensed for sale by the Michigan Department of Agriculture.

During their time at NECI, entrepreneurs are able to build or increase their customer base without having to invest in a commercial kitchen. They can develop the knowledge necessary to run their own company by taking classes which include business planning, finance, marketing and food production.

To date, NECI has helped four businesses “go out on their own.” These success stories are: Christy’s Bakery and Produce, which opened a coffee shop in Granger; Sweet Elegance, which opened a bakery in Edwardsburg; Gathering Grains Granola, which is selling all over, including at Whole Foods Markets; and Jim Bob’s BBQ sauces and rubs, which are sold all over, but can be purchased locally at Trailhead Mercantile in downtown Niles.

The hope is that some of the entrepreneurs who use NECI will choose to keep their businesses in our downtown district. Meanwhile, we can take pride in the fact that our historic business district is providing a safe environment and “hatching” successful new companies.

 

Jeanne Watson is a sixth generation Niles resident who wants to see the downtown strong once again. Jeanne has volunteered her time with the Niles Main Street/DDA for nearly 15 years. She can be reached at jeanne0503@comcast.net.