About G.I.N.
The Generating Innovative Network (G.I.N.) is open in Downtown Paragould. The G.I.N. is a one stop shop for resources for business in our community. From entrepreneurial support, to workforce development training, to a makerspace for the home crafter, the G.I.N. is a collaborative space for all.
The G.I.N will occupy 200-212 N. Pruett Street in Downtown Paragould, Arkansas. Construction officially began in December of 2022.
Phase One
Phase One of the project has been completed at 208-212 N. Pruett Street and includes the following:
Makerspace - The Makerspace allows individuals to try a new trade with hands-on experiences with John Clark, the Makerspace Administrator. The Makerspace has equipment like 3-D Printers, glowforges, power tools, and pottery wheels. This space will evolve with the interests of the community.
Classroom - Workforce Development is key to the future of our businesses in Paragould, no matter the size. This space offers services to strengthen our workforce, such as improving soft skills of the Greene County residents, from resume building workshops, mock interviews, job resource pairing and more! We work with students to incumbent workers to meet the needs of our communities’ employers.
Phase Two
Phase Two of the project will include the following:
Small Business Incubator - The Small Business Incubator includes four small start-up spaces for a small business to grow and receive mentorship from our partners, such as the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center.
Phase Three
Phase Three of the project will include the following:
Co-working Spaces - Our co-working spaces will provide a unique office space for collaboration and innovation.
Food Incubator Kitchen - The GIN will have a kitchen that a home-baker could use to scale up their business or any restaurateur looking for a commercial space.
Exhibition Hall - This space will be used for cohorts, meetings, art shows and more.
The G.I.N. is the home to the entrepreneurial spirit of the community as well as serve existing businesses to produce up-skilled workers and expose youth to the opportunities right here in Paragould, Arkansas.
The G.I.N. is owned and operated by the Economic Development Corporation of Paragould (EDC), a private 501c6 based in Paragould, Arkansas. The EDC will construct and operate the G.I.N. through membership revenue, investments, and partnerships, such as the City of Paragould. If you or your business are interested in being part of this project, please contact Allison Hestand, at ahestand@paragould.org or 870-236-7684.
