The City of Janesville responded to its weakening economy with the creation of an innovation center. The center’s mission is to stimulate the development of new companies and jobs and to foster a creative, supportive entrepreneurial environment within the greater Janesville area.

Named the Janesville Innovation Center — or JIC — this economic incubator facility offers affordable, flexible, short-term office and manufacturing space to new, growing and relocating businesses. It also provides a variety of educational, training and mentorship opportunities and access to a network of service providers.

MSA partnered with the City to make the JIC a reality and assisted in securing funding through a $1.2 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) – U.S. Department of Commerce grant and an $850,000 match from the City of Janesville’s Tax Increment Finance program. Further, MSA also served as the architect and engineer for the project, overseeing development from design through construction.

The result is a thriving new innovation center and catalyst for regional business growth and employment. The center offers nine office spaces ranging in size from 178 square feet to 328 square feet, manufacturing spaces and suites, a common loading dock, and conference and break rooms for tenant use. Offices are turn-key, complete with furnishings, utilities and network connectivity.

New businesses receive resource guidance, technical assistance and a secure home base from which to operate. Tenants also enjoy the center’s inherent opportunities for networking and collaboration with other business owners. Growing businesses have access to affordable temporary space for research and development and are encouraged to utilize these temporary spaces while they expand their own facilities. Relocating businesses are attracted to the JIC as an inexpensive option and interim location while their permanent facilities are reestablished.

Since opening its doors in 2013, the Janesville Innovation Center has witnessed sustained and enthusiastic growth—generating new business, new jobs and lending a hand toward the revitalization of the local and regional economy.