To meet rising demand for startup support in Northeast Ohio, Lorain County Community College (LCCC) established the Entrepreneurship Innovation Center (EIC)—a purpose-built incubator launching local ventures and strengthening the regional economy.
Client
Lorain County Community College
Location
Elyria, Ohio
Total Project Cost
$8 M
Project Type
Science & Technology
Photographer
Brad Feinknopf
Size
45,000 sq. ft.
Services
Architecture, Construction Administration
Key Contact
Michael Mistriner
Our Higher Education practice team partnered with LCCC to bring this vision to life. The three-story facility features flexible office suites on the upper floors for early-stage companies, while the first floor offers shared meeting spaces and houses the headquarters of the Great Lakes Innovation and Development Enterprise (GLIDE). This joint initiative between LCCC, the County Commissioners and the Chamber of Commerce serves as a powerful accelerant, providing entrepreneurs with coaching, funding strategy and a network to help turn big ideas into viable projects.
The EIC also connects directly to LCC’s SMART Commercialization Center via a third-floor bridge, enabling access to cleanroom labs and high-tech facilities for microsensor testing. This integration further extends the College’s vision of aligning workforce development with emerging industries; since its opening, the EIC has mentored more than 300 companies—fueling $673 million in sales, securing $926 million in follow-on funding and creating over 1,200 jobs.
Beyond its fiscal contributions, the EIC set a new precedent for sustainability as Lorain County’s first LEED-certified building. Nestled within a wooded, wetland-rich landscape, it reflects a thoughtful blend of ecological stewardship and design ingenuity.
Our team successfully navigated complex environmental permitting to protect local habitats and wildlife, underscoring LCCC’s commitment to responsible, future-focused planning.
Today, the Entrepreneurship Innovation Center remains a dynamic launchpad for local businesses, a catalyst for student opportunity and a driver of fiscal momentum.
300+
Companies MentoredThe Entrepeneur Innovation Center (EIC) has mentored more than 300 companies since its opening.
$926M
in Follow-On FundingIn addition to fueling $673 million in sales, the EIC has secured $926 million in follow-on funding.
1,200
Jobs CreatedThe creation of over 1,200 jobs further extends LCCC’s vision of aligning workforce development with emerging industries.
