December 2023

Embarking on the journey of starting a new business can be a daunting, but Hatch aims to alleviate the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in Baldwin County by providing a conducive environment for learning and growth.

The brainchild of Lee Lawson, the CEO of the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance, Hatch emerged from a vision sparked by talent leaving Baldwin County due to the absence of technology-related jobs.

Rick Miller, the Director of Hatch, explained that Lawson observed a significant departure of skilled individuals seeking opportunities in technology hubs like Orlando and Atlanta. This trend was primarily attributed to the lack of tech industries in Baldwin County, prompting Lawson to envision a solution.

According to Miller, the inception of the vision occurred when Lawson recognized the mismatch between the $75-80K salaries offered in the tech sector and the median salary of $35,000 in Baldwin County. Acknowledging the growing disparity in the tech landscape, Miller emphasized the need for proactive measures.

“We started seeing people leave because we did not have a deep enough tech industry or connections to keep them,” Miller said. “That is when we decided on making an incubator to start focusing on growing this with a long-run strategy because we knew if we didn’t start, we were going to get further behind.”

The current economic landscape, with a shift towards hybrid-remote work, presents an opportune moment for aspiring entrepreneurs in Baldwin County. Miller highlighted the potential for individuals to maintain their desired quality of life while working for companies located in major hubs like New York. This shift has allowed Baldwin County residents to leverage their location without compromising their career aspirations.

Miller encourages those thinking about a business venture in Baldwin County to jump at the opportunity now. 

“People can recognize that we may not have all of the pieces of the puzzles like some of these bigger cities, but if you’re willing to take the long run that balances what you’re doing with the quality of life for you and your family, then we are in a growth mode,” Miller said. “Now is the time to start a regional, or even world-wide business.”

For prospective business owners, Miller’s advice centers on the importance of focusing on the “who” rather than the “how.”

“We focus on making sure we can help them assemble the team they need to not only grow the business, but attract capital,” Miller said. “Often times with start-up businesses, they have a great idea, but they don’t have all of the components an investor is looking for, in terms of the team.”

Hatch plays a pivotal role in this process by offering guidance on building a business plan and facilitating connections within a network of local entrepreneurs, bridging the gap between visionaries and essential resources. In Miller’s words, Hatch provides the crucial “how” in navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship.

For those looking to take the next step of joining Hatch, here’s a look at the services they provide:

• Risk evaluation and development model
• IP and Technology review and collaboration
• Market and Technology sector database access
• High Speed Internet and workspace opportunities
• Sound operations and business planning
• Local Entrepreneurial Networking
• National talent and resources
• Corporate partnering (marketing, research, manufacturing)
• Favorable venture and funding sources

To learn more about Hatch, click here.