CEDAR RAPIDS A new business-development program launched by NewBo City Market is designed to help residents who want to start a business spread their wings and open up shop.
The Cedar Rapids market announced the creation of the Hatchery Jan. 25 as an entrepreneurial development program expanding from its Business Incubator.
The program is aimed at working with underserved people in the community who want to start a retail or food business.
The not-for-profit incubator has been in operation since 2012, focusing on local economic development.
Julie Parisi, NewBo City Market’s director of business development, said the idea for a program like the Hatchery had been around since she started in her position two and a half years ago, but the current COVID-19 pandemic put the needs of businesses into focus.