The Study: Irving’s Innovation Center cut the ribbon on its new facility in the former Irving Central Library at 801 W. Irving Blvd. It’s a public-private partnership between the City of Irving and Indigo Group. Additionally, the Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce and The Study have a unique partnership assisting in the programming, training and events to benefit small businesses and entrepreneurs.
The City of Irving, the Irving-Las Colinas Chamber and business executives gathered for the celebration last week. Nearly 100 community supporters attended this milestone celebration. With opening remarks from Mayor Rick Stopfer, Irving ISD Superintendent Dr. Jose Parra, and HUD Regional Administrator Beth Van Duyne – Tom Foley (Director for The Study) impressed upon the crowd the idea of “community businessing”. His vision for the success of The Study requires the entire Irving community being involved and supporting, especially the Irving business community. In addition to the Chamber, leading the effort of support from the business community, Aviall Services Inc., A Boeing Company was announced as a Founding Partner for The Study. Eric Strafel, President & CEO for Aviall, was present to speak on the value of this resource and the potential impact it can have on developing Irving’s future workforce. Additionally, Microsoft Corporation is working on a partnership with The Study. The goal of the facility is to “converge, collide and create” a collaborative environment for entrepreneurs and students to foster creative development, network, find mentorships opportunities and turn their idea into a viable small business.
The Study features coworking space, private meeting rooms and soon, a game lounge, serving as a resource for professionals looking to use the space occasionally or for extended periods. The Chamber looks forward to opening its Heritage District office within the facility this fall. This office, supported by the Irving Economic Development Partnership, will be used as a tool to showcase the Heritage Crossing District, to provide support to entrepreneurs, small and mid-size businesses and to continue working with these small businesses as they develop to secure a future location with a Irving business address.
