As the summer heat recedes at the end of August, Binghamton University’s Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Partnership took the opportunity to host a summer block party at the Koffman Southern Tier Incubator. The party brought together neighbors, sponsors, member companies and local leaders totaling over 100 partygoers. Mayors and presidents of the local universities attended, mingling with members of the small business community.

“One of the main benefits of business incubators such as the Koffman is the collaboration it promotes”, says Cory Kimmell, a staff member at the facility.

Community events like this strengthen the ecosystem and expand the depth of connections member start-ups have while involving the community all the while.

Attendees enjoyed networking, playing cornhole and bocce ball, all while enjoying hotdogs, salad, and ice cream served by the Incubator’s own staff members. The Summer Block Party not only offered a small break to the Incubator’s members but it also united different communities, sectors, and industries, strengthening the ties and fostering collaboration.