A Space to Build Better Businesses

A new facility at 180 N. Central Ave. aims to epitomize the purpose of the Bartow Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA): use public investment to stimulate private investment, strengthen the local business and entrepreneurial community, and improve the quality of life for residents. 

The CRA’s Innovation Center is expected to be finished by October, according to CRA Executive Director C. Howard Smith.

On the first floor of the center will be a new branch for CareerSource Polk, which provides services and resources for career seekers, youth and employers. The first floor will also feature a multipurpose room and podcast studio that will be able to be utilized by Bartownians.

The second floor will include the new CRA office, an office for the director of the Bartow Economic Development Council and a vendor space for the Small Business Administration, a federal agency with local branches that work to support entrepreneurs through capital, contracts and counseling.

The overhaul of the 1915 building will encompass roughly 5,000 square feet. The funding for the approximately $2.65 million project comes from a loan approved by the CRA and Bartow City Commission earlier this year.