College's Technology and Business Center supports businesses with incubator

by Suzanne Seurattan | May 21, 2010

The James City County Business and Technology Incubator - which was founded by James City County (JCC) and its Economic Development Authority (EDA) and is currently managed by the College of William & Mary - welcomed a new client this month, Breathe Healthy.

Breathe Healthy manufactures and sells a unique line of breathing masks that are commonly used for allergy relief and protection from dust, pollen, and germs. Their customers range from asthma sufferers to pet groomers. The company began operating in the area in 2009. Additional information about Breathe Healthy is available on their web site.

“To be a business owner of a small company requires wearing many hats – from advertising and accounting to production and product development, inevitably there are going to be knowledge gaps,” said Mike Vahey, Breathe Healthy president. “The incubator offers me the opportunity to fill in those gaps while simultaneously growing my business.”

Breathe Healthy masks feature AEGIS Microbe Shield antimicrobial treatment, are made of comfortable, moisture wickable fabrics and come in numerous sizes from children to adult. “Breathe Healthy products are reusable they are a cost effective and sustainable alternative to paper, disposable masks,” Vahey noted.

“James City County is excited to welcome Breathe Healthy into the Incubator. The County initiated the Incubator program to assist companies like Breathe Healthy - small and growing businesses - in order to stimulate the area's entrepreneurial spirit and diversify the economy,” said Thomas Tingle, EDA Chairman.

The James City County Incubator offers its clients a wide-range of services tailored to their business’ individual needs, including educational programs through the Mason School of Business, development of business and financial plans; access to local service providers; and introduction to financing and funding resources. Incubator clients can range from fledgling companies to existing businesses that are transitioning to new locations.

Growing businesses like Breathe Healthy is vital to the local economy, William “Bill” Bean, incubator manager said. “Successful economic development relies on the growth of start-up and young companies. It is this force, this ‘economic gardening, ultimately that drives the local economy.”

Entrepreneurs who would like to find out more about becoming an incubator client should contact Bill Bean at 757-221-7825 or webean@wm.edu.