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Ocala Power Plant Business Incubator Ribbon Cutting

Name
Michelle Jacobs
City
Ocala
Release Date

Rural Development State Director Richard A. Machek joined City of Ocala officials for a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the completion of the Ocala Power Plant Business Incubator renovation and expansion.

The City of Ocala is an incorporated municipality located in Marion County. The Ocala Power Plant is a 4,195 square foot business incubator formed in 2012 with grants from the City of Ocala and Marion County. In its tenth month of operation, the business incubator was at 100% capacity providing space to 12 small and emerging entrepreneurial companies, and creating 61 jobs.

Rural Developments funds were used to renovate two buildings adjacent to the Ocala Power Plant for additional incubator space and to update the existing incubator space for accessibility.  The incubator offers business and marketing counseling, teleconferencing, educational seminars and workshops, and facilitates outside investor participation. The renovated buildings will result in additional space for another 16 businesses, providing incubator services for a total of 28 small and emerging businesses. The expansion will also create another 61 jobs.

“Congratulations to the Power Plant Business Incubator for their vision and dedication to assist small businesses,” said Rural Development State Director Richard A. Machek. “USDA is proud to play a small part in the continued success of the city’s future.”

President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values.