Buda HIVE, or Buda’s Home for Innovators, Visionaries, & Entrepreneurs, had its grand opening on Feb. 28 at 307 N. San Marcos St. in Buda, and is now officially open.

The overview

The Buda HIVE offers mentorship, funding opportunities, dedicated workspace or co-working spaces, specialized and technical skills training, and networking opportunities, according to the Buda Economic Development Corporation, or EDC, website, who launched the program.

“We are driven to help entrepreneurs solve problems they face in bringing their concepts to market,” Jennifer Storm, Buda EDC chief executive officer said. “We provide unprecedented financial incentives to entrepreneurs, startups, young professionals and local businesses.”

Buda EDC President Celeste Medulla said the vision for the HIVE was to create a dynamic space that empowers entrepreneurs to “transform ideas into successful business,” saying that small businesses support 73,000 jobs in Hays County.


Digging deeper

In May, HIVE will launch a business incubator program featuring a three-month program for 10 businesses, each receiving guidance from dedicated mentors and meeting twice a month with Buda HIVE leaders, according to Shannon Frost, Buda EDC assistant director of entrepreneurial initiatives.

The goal of the program is that at the end of the three months, the business will be able to either apply for a loan to start their business or begin discussions with investors.

HIVE also offers rentable seats in its co-working space and a private office for rent. Memberships will be available starting in April, with rental opportunities opening in mid-March.