A new business incubator has opened in Eagle River. The project space off Highway 70 is focused on helping start-up manufacturing businesses.
The new Business Park is a partnership between Vilas County Economic Development Corporation and the Juday family. The idea is to provide affordable space and help new businesses share resources.
Dave Juday says his family has a history of community investment, and he was looking for a way to help the business climate.
“And I came across this building. And I thought boy oh boy- what a marvelous opportunity. To extend that which had been started by my dad, and take it to the next step, by creating that space that those young entrepreneurs need to get started.”
The 13,000 square foot building was originally a 7-UP distribution center. Since then it’s had several owners, but sat empty for the past few years.
Vilas County EDC Director Bob Egan says the point of this kind of project is to broaden the region’s economic base beyond tourism.
“I think our goal here, and I won’t see it in my lifetime—is to get Vilas County to the point where we don’t have to export our children. We can provide living wage jobs for them.”
Egan says they’re working to keep costs down to keep the rent as low as possible. Business start-ups can rent whatever amount of space works for them.
