Sign In
Free Newsletter
Port 100, the co-work space and incubator in Geneva, has found a new financial backer in the Ontario County Economic Development Corp.
Maureen Ballatori, who manages Port 100 and runs her business, 29 Design Studio, there, appealed to the OCEDC after the Geneva City Council decided not to continue funding the co-work operation.
“I just couldn’t let it close and displace the people who work here every day,” Ballatori said. “The resources available to Port 100 members have been a major driver of my own agency’s success. It was and is important to me to make sure that people all over the Finger Lakes have a place where they can focus their work.” Ballatori also took over ownership of the space from the city.
Michael J. Manikowski, economic developer for OCEDC, said “supporting entrepreneurial development throughout the county is an economic development imperative. We are delighted to support this key economic development asset in Geneva and eastern Ontario County.”
The agency agreed to provide $30,000 over the next three years. As a result, Port 100 will build out semi-private workspaces, offer entrepreneurship programming and increase use of the facility.
“Port 100 plays an important role in the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Geneva,” Ballatori said. “Considering Geneva’s commitment to being a significant leader in the food and beverage industry, the opportunity to support startups in that industry alone is remarkable.”
Port 100 can accommodate up to 12 business people through full-time memberships and month-to-month memberships. The space offers high-speed WiFi, business advisers, a place to receive mail and hold meetings, among other services.
To celebrate the new arrangements, Port 100 will hold a relaunch event Jan. 9 at 5 p.m. with a ribbon cutting and cocktail reception.
[email protected]/(585) 363-7275