Thermal Fusion to help launch new businesses

The Hot Springs Metro Partnership is taking a new entrepreneurship development approach to economic development in addition to helping businesses expand in the region and attracting new ones.

Thermal Fusion, a new business incubator, is designed to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs and is the first stage of developing that ecosystem, said Cole McCaskill, vice president of economic development with the HSMP, in a press release.

“On our benchmarking trip to Chattanooga last October, we saw the local Chamber and the community engaged in assisting their young and/or new entrepreneurs by providing them a nurturing professional environment in which to help get their business pass the infancy stage and into a pattern of real growth and sustainability for the long haul,” said Gary Troutman, president and CEO of the HSMP. “We are excited to be able to offer a similar opportunity, as well, to some of our newer businesses here in Hot Springs and Garland County right here within the Chamber offices.”

With this new approach, the Hot Springs Metro Partnership can give entrepreneurs the tools to help them establish new businesses and encourage them to grow in Hot Springs from the ground up.

“It makes sense to help early-stage businesses get off the ground so that they can grow and create jobs in the local community,” McCaskill said.

As a client of Thermal Fusion, startups and entrepreneurs will receive highly discounted office space for lease and access to all modern office amenities, including meeting rooms, utilities, internet, reception, telephone and copier.

Budding companies will also have access to a mentor network of experienced business professionals and receive world-class legal, marketing, accounting and human resources advice and instruction.

Thermal Fusion will be a partnership with the Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce, Henderson State University School of Business, the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at HSU and the National Park College Innovative Technologies Center.

For more information about Thermal Fusion, email McCaskill at cole.mccaskill@growinghotsprings.com.

The mission of the Hot Springs Metro Partnership is to create economic opportunity throughout the Hot Springs Region.