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"It's exciting this project is moving forward. It's been talked about for a while and besides being home to EAA, we have other businesses tied to aviation like Basler and Sonex, plus our colleges have aviation programs," she says. "It's a good fit." The park received a $2 million U.S. Economic Development Administration grant to extend utilities and infrastructure, such as streets, into the recently acquired property. UW-Oshkosh is working with Chamco, the city and county to develop a business accelerator that would be located in the new business park. While it would focus on entrepreneurs interested in aviation enterprises, all businesses would be welcome, Hartman says. The accelerator would not only be the place to host an intensive entrepreneurial education program, it would also have space that could be rented out to small businesses. "It would be a place where entrepreneurs can ramp up their ideas and see if it's a viable business," she says. The majority of the $11 million needed for the accelerator has already been allocated through a variety of grants and funds from the city and county. Hartman says a team is working on raising the remaining $2.75 million needed for the project. So far, there is no firm timeline on when construction would start. "We have several teams working on it, looking at not only what the facility will look like, but what will this program look like?" she says. In addition to the accelerator, the park will be home to industries tied to the aviation sector. Hartman hopes that AirVenture and AeroInnovate, an event hosted by UW-Oshkosh's Small Business Success Center during AirVenture for aero-related businesses seeking to bring new technologies to the marketplace, will draw attention to the park from people outside the area. "There's a lot of potential. It's going to be very exciting the next few years," Hartman says. w w w. i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m Fresh ideas from an experienced team to achieve your goals At Bank First, our approach is to take the time with you to understand your goals and create customized options for you. Mike Dempsey Joan Woldt Meghann Kasper Our team has over 150 years of combined experience serving individuals, families and businesses throughout our footprint. Bank First is a full-service, community bank providing financial solutions since 1894. Bill Bradley Mei Bloechl Trevor Rabbach Julie Luker Carol Franz Give us a call today and discover what kind of fresh ideas we can provide you. Erin Vacheresse 101 City Center, Oshkosh 920-237-5126 BELLEVUE | ASHWAUBENON | MANITOWOC | TWO RIVERS | MISHICOT FRANCIS CREEK | ST. NAZIANZ | KIEL | PLYMOUTH | SHEBOYGAN For Better Banking, Think First. Member FDIC Manufacturing Full service architectural and engineering firm that is able to provide fully integrated design solutions and has a unique approach in understanding your facility. www.excelengineer.com Architects • 920.926.9800 Engineers info@excelengineer.com • Surveyors J a n u a r y 2 014 • Insight | 39