New business incubator established in Warrenton

Published March 7, 2014 by Jessica Sabbath

A new business incubator/accelerator has opened in Warrenton.

The Fauquier County Department of Economic Development and the Mason Enterprise Center of George Mason University are partnering in the project, which will be called Mason Enterprise Center, Fauquier County or MEC-Fauquier.

The facility is still looking for a permanent facility that would include 8,000 to 10,000 square feet of office and co-working space. The incubator will temporarily be housed at 70 Main St. in Warrenton.

The inclusion of co-working space is a first for a Mason Enterprise Center. Co-working space offers less formal open space for entrepreneurs who have previously been operating operating at local coffee houses and restaurants.

MEC will feature eight private offices, co-working space, meeting space, virtual client support and training and special programs. Tenants will sign short-term leases and business are expected to graduate from the facility within two years.

The Fauquier County Board of Supervisors approved $400,000 in December to be used for the first two years of its operation.