Codding business cluster incubates 22 companies in first year of operation

<p>ROHNERT PARK – The business incubator at Codding Enterprises’ Sonoma Mountain Village has reason for a bang-up first birthday party on Tuesday. It’s already outperformed most new incubators.</p><p>The Sonoma Mountain Business Cluster, an experiment on the part of developer Codding Enterprises and county high-tech leaders, is at 60 percent occupancy, with 22 companies. By the end of the year it should be at capacity, according to Executive Director Michael Newell.</p><p>“It has definitely exceeded our expectations,” said Mr. Newell. “It proves there was a market need in this region for a hub, a center for entrepreneurs.”</p><p>For early-stage startups, the business cluster serves up a tantalizing menu of perks and services, including class A office space at market rates, coaching and mentoring by seasoned executives, access to their extensive business networks and bi-weekly seminars on business basics.</p><p>Along with that comes a package of professional legal and accounting services worth anywhere from $2,500 to $4,000.</p><p>“And when they’re ready to raise venture capital, we give them intensive training on how to present themselves and their business plan, and then use our relationships with local angel groups and other investors to give them a hearing,” said Mr. Newell. Above all is the opportunity to work in close proximity to other entrepreneurs, he said.</p><p>Lauren Elliot, founder of Web 2.0 startup Personal News Network and the incubator’s first tenant, said that’s one of the best aspects of the business cluster.</p><p>“PNN is a social networking company, and we love the opportunity to develop close relationships with our fellow tenants. It’s a pleasure to walk down the hall and see what other people are up to,” he said.</p><p>Those people are up to a broad range of high-tech activities, with a focus on clean, sustainable technology.</p><p>CaseHomePage has a paper-saving legal case document management solution; Root Concepts offers Web marketing to green businesses; Mosaic Assist is developing a way to improve patient care in assisted-living facilities.</p><p>Greenlight Solar of Marin has a branch at the cluster; Codding’s sustainability office is there; and Restorative Technologies focuses on ways to heal environmental damage.</p><p>“I think our emphasis on green and clean tech has been a factor in attracting tenants,” said Mr. Newell. According to his first tenant, Mr. Newell himself is a factor.</p><p>“Michael is always working on new programs,” said Mr. Elliot. “He’s expanded ties with Sonoma State for internships. He’s really good at helping us find quality employees. And he’s assembled an incomparable team of advisers from local business leaders.”</p><p>Recently joining the cluster’s board of directors are Sonoma State provost Eduardo Ochoa, former area high-tech executives Joseph Zils and Lindsay Austin and city of Santa Rosa Chief Technology Officer Eric McHenry.</p><p>Recently, the cluster hosted the first gathering of alumni from the new Sonoma State MBA program. “We are fortunate in our close ties to the academic and high-tech communities, but I think the true test of whether an incubator is working is the interaction between tenants,” said Mr. Newell. </p><p>“And I can see that here at the business cluster. The startups are giving each other work,” he said.</p><p>The reception marking the first anniversary will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Aug. 5 at 1300 Valley House Drive in Rohnert Park.</p><p>For more information, visit www.sonomamountainbusinesscluster.com</p><h3>Among the resident companies at the Sonoma Mountain Business Cluster:</h3> <p>ADEX Telecom</p><p>Barspace.tv</p><p>CA Business Development LLC</p><p>Cali Tech Center</p><p>Case Home Page</p><p>Codding Sustainability Office</p><p>Digi-Type</p><p>Green Light Solar</p><p>Garage City</p><p>Livability Project</p><p>Mosaic Assist</p><p>PNN-Personal News Network</p><p>Restorative Technologies</p><p>Root Concepts</p><p>The EcoAdvantage</p><p>Trust One Building Maintenance Inc.</p><p>WIRI Power-Save</p>