Terri Bailey: Incubating a Community Based Organization

October 11, 2022

"In 2011, I began to play with the idea of a community-based organization (CBO) that connected other small CBOs with resources and each other. Later that year, my first board member, the late HIV activist Juanita Williams, and I introduced the concept at the Urban Renewal conference in Atlanta. With homemade business cards, a name, and a mission to help build socially responsible communities and leaders through grassroots efforts, BLAAC was born. This concept would become the foundation for the Bailey Learning and Arts Collective, Inc. (BLAAC).

BLAAC offers a unique and broad set of services that serve individual community members and other organizations. Over the years, we have developed an excellent reputation for community outreach, offering unique quality programming to the greater Gainesville area and throughout the South. We've Introduced internationally recognized films, lecturers, workshops, and artists to communities. In addition, BLAAC has presented essential information on social issues from leading authorities and thrown the most fun fundraising events. BLAAC has made a name as a trusted and innovative community resource.

My experience incubating my business with the Center for Innovation and Economic Development (CIED) has been transformative! From developing a business plan to getting an EIN to becoming a full-fledged non-profit, staff has been there every step of the way. I've learned so much. The workshops and the expertise of the CIED team are invaluable. Dug Jones, Laurence Andrews, Bill Dorman, Tanisha Byers, and the others who lend their time and knowledge are Godsends.

The most important thing I've learned while incubating at SF is that business development is an ongoing process. To grow your business, you must work at it consistently and be mindful of industry changes. The biggest takeaway, though, is lean on our incubator community. Don't be afraid or ashamed to ask questions and take advice. That alone has sustained me."

-Terri L. Bailey, MA, owner of Bailey Learning and Arts Collective, Inc.

-Terri L. Bailey, MA, owner of Baily Learning and Arts Collective, Inc.

Discover more about the services and events offered by BLAAC on their website.

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