By Katie Liu
Based in Elmira, N.Y., IncubatorWorks helps startups and communities from the grassroots level
IncubatorWorks (IW) was founded more than 39 years ago as a ceramic and glass technical incubator, dedicated to helping “incubate” businesses so they could grow and remain in New York’s Southern Tier. But six years ago, IW expanded its mission to further strengthen regional business and entrepreneurial development, providing both aspiring and established entrepreneurs with mentorship, resources and targeted educational programs.
As IW has grown and evolved in its own startup success story over the years, through its rebranding and mission expansion, the organization remains deeply rooted in regional economic development, with three locations operating in Corning, Elmira and Alfred, N.Y. Starting with two incubators — one in Corning, and another in Alfred — IW later secured a grant through Chemung County to expand its footprint by opening a third incubator in the heart of downtown Elmira, where many of its entrepreneurs are based.
According to Executive Director Ashleigh Madison, 2025 marked IncubatorWorks’ biggest year yet.
“In 2025, we were able to report that our entrepreneurs had created 85 jobs in our community. That’s a testament to the small business owners who are the backbone of our community and shows that job creation thrives at every level — from small businesses to major manufacturers,” Madison said. “Additionally, 32 businesses were started in the Southern Tier [Chemung, Steuben, Schuyler, Allegany and surrounding counties]. This is the first time we’ve been able to report that over $350,000 collectively has been raised in capital by our business owners, which has been transformative for our entrepreneurial community.”
As IW approaches 40 years of operation, it has played a meaningful role in helping diversify local economic development, aiding the revitalization of Appalachian communities. All of IW’s programs, as well as its makerspace, are housed in its Elmira space, which is located on the third floor of the SUNY Corning Community College’s Academic and Workforce Development Center.
New Energy New York was awarded the Build Back Better Regional Challenge by the U.S. Economic Development Administration in 2022, after which IW joined as a coalition partner to boost workforce and entrepreneurial development.
“Every single program that we were able to administer under New Energy New York has been extremely impactful not only for our community, but also for IncubatorWorks’ growth as an organization and community-facing incubator,” Madison said.
Thinking Big
Before receiving NENY’s grant, IncubatorWorks offered startup competitions for local universities and community colleges, while also administering its distinguishing Co.Starters Business Accelerator Class, a 12-week program that supported two cohorts a year.
“We were among the first incubators in the region — and one of the earlier ones — to focus intentionally on supporting our community members who were looking to start small businesses, downtown or online,” Madison said. Building on that experience and track record, IncubatorWorks was invited by partners in Binghamton to propose a project to expand its outreach by funding new programs.
“So, we leaned into the opportunity with a big-picture mindset,” Madison said.
Thanks to NENY funding, IncubatorWorks’ Co.Starters program has grown to accommodate five cohorts a year, previously administering two annually. More than 20 cohorts have graduated from Co.Starters now, with access to in-house cash flow models, dedicated training and pitching practice, as well as fully fledged business model canvases. In 2025 alone, after graduating five more cohorts, Co.Starters has served 54 entrepreneurs and 29 new businesses, with 19 more ideas currently in development.
“This is just for 2025. Since New Energy New York provided additional funding to IW, every single year has been better than the previous year,” Madison said. “One of IncubatorWorks’ graduates, Sue Efthimiou, made over $500,000 in sales in 2025 with her business Soupapotamus, selling locally and ethically sourced soups made right on her own farmhouse property — and she is on track to exceed $1 million this year. She was also interviewed live on Fox and Friends and highlighted in Entrepreneur magazine.”
In addition to increasing its cohorts, IncubatorWorks has since added a secondary business plan writing class to complement Co.Starters’ curriculum and nurture its graduates further, complete with a $3,000 participant support stipend.
IncubatorWorks has also established a Makerspace in its Elmira facility, equipped with a 3D printer, laser cutter, embroidery machine, T-shirt station and more. The Makerspace is available for Co.Starters graduates to prototype or make merchandise and branding, as well as anyone from the general public that wants to learn how to use the equipment, to be “makers” themselves.
Empowering adults and students alike
Sowing the seeds for a stronger workforce, however, doesn’t just start with adults. One of IncubatorWorks’ key programs, to Madison, is its summer youth entrepreneurship program, which brings entrepreneurial training to high school students.
“Being able to use the entrepreneurial mindset for high school and college students helps them builds foundational character traits and practical decision-making skills that extend far beyond starting a business. ‘I broke down this problem for my customer, but now I can break down this problem for myself, and I have the business model canvas to do it,’” Madison said. “It’s all about engaging younger generations in entrepreneurship because it shapes both individual potential and the long-term strength of a community.”
IW’s approach to administering the youth program centers on empowering Elmira High School students to explore a wide range of post-graduation pathways, using the entrepreneurial mindset as a foundation — while also encouraging and supporting them toward graduating high school.
The program runs for seven weeks throughout the summer, where students work in groups, develop and refine a pitch, and tour local colleges, from Alfred State College to Rochester Institute of Technology.
“Students also tour local manufacturers to explore trade opportunities and see firsthand how these businesses have grown and evolved within our community,” Madison added.
Students can learn and fine-tune their public speaking skills, listen and learn from leaders who visit as program guest speakers, as well as attend an etiquette dinner and shop for professional attire at JCPenney’s — courtesy of Hilliard Corporation’s sponsorship and Elmira JCPenney’s.
Whether students finish the program launching their own startup, pursuing a rewarding career in the trades, or finding a college community where they feel a true sense of belonging, IncubatorWorks aims to introduce youth to these kinds of opportunities to help them envision a brighter future.
Arm and arm, together
NENY has enabled IncubatorWorks to expand many of its offerings, and Madison hopes to continue sharing similar opportunities in the future as main streets only grow more crowded with businesses.
“Being part of the NENY coalition has been incredibly meaningful because it reminds us that we’re in this together — working arm in arm with fellow members to move the needle forward for both community and economic development,” she said.